The Albanese Government will invest $2.7 million to help keep Lismore ice cream factory workers employed while the company develops a plan for long-term recovery.
One of the NSW Northern Rivers region's major employers, Norco has over 200 workers employed at its ice cream factory in Lismore. The factory was heavily impacted by this year's devastating, widespread floods and, unlike other large businesses within the region, remains completely non-operational.
Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the support for Norco by the Albanese Government will ensure the business can retain its staff to 23 September 2022.
"The extent of the direct damage the factory suffered in the floods means it's going to take Norco some time to put in place its longer-term recovery plans," Minister Watt said.
"This additional federal support will provide an appropriate amount of time for a longer-term solution for the future of Norco's Lismore ice cream factory and its workers to be identified and implemented.
"The conditions agreed to by Norco will mean workers receiving this payment will remain actively engaged in the Northern Rivers recovery, including through appropriate co-employment opportunities with other local businesses, to aid in the economic recovery."
"This short-term financial relief also means the community, which had already been through great turmoil this year, isn't further impacted by losing one of its major employers."
Further support for flood-affected large businesses in the Northern Rivers is available through the Large Anchor Business Support Grant Package. This initial program of $44.3 million has been boosted by a $15 million contribution from the New South Wales Government, totalling $59.3 million available for local anchor businesses.
The package will provide financial assistance to help businesses that employ more than 200 people get back on their feet quickly, increase resilience to natural disasters and help people return to their jobs.
It is a joint initiative of the Australian and NSW Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and comes on top of existing support for small and medium sized businesses.
Applications close on 26 July. Further information is available at Anchor Business Support Grant Program | NSW Government or call 1300 679 673 from 7am-7pm, Monday to Friday.
