More help is on the way for families, farms and businesses affected by the catastrophic flooding disaster in northern NSW, as part of an additional package of support from the Commonwealth Government.
As communities continue the recovery and clean-up effort, this further financial support will ensure people get more money in their pockets to help get them through this difficult time.
The National Recovery and Resilience Agency have further assessed the flood affected region, and have identified the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, and Tweed as impacted areas in need of additional support.
This next phase of support includes:
An additional two weekly disaster payments - known as Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) Special Supplement - for affected residents in the LGAs of Ballina, Byron, Kyogle and Tweed.
These payments will be automatically paid for those who have already claimed and received the AGDRP, at the current rate of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child. These payments will commence on 22 March.
The Coordinator-General for the National Recovery and Resilience Agency the Hon Shane L Stone AC QC met with Mayors across the flood zone to discuss the latest assistance package.
"I want to acknowledge the extremely constructive meetings I had today with Byron Shire Mayor Cr Michael Lyon and the Mayor of Ballina Shire Cr Sharon Cadwallader," Mr Stone said.
"I also want to thank Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry for the important contribution her and her team are making to assist with the co-ordination of the recovery efforts.
"It is testament to what can be achieved when you work constructively. As we embark on the recovery phase of this flooding event this type of collaboration will be as important as ever.
"I want to stress this is one of the fastest flood recovery rollouts in modern times.
"Our Recovery Support Officers have worked tirelessly in the affected areas and are playing a very important role in keeping the Agency informed and assisting the survivors.
"Over one million Australians have now lodged their application for financial help and the payments amount to assistance in the hundreds of millions of dollars across the Queensland and New South Wales.
"This is on top of the $1 billion dollar assistance package the Morrison Government announced last week."
The additional $1,000 and $400 AGDRP payments would take immediate pressure off many families and allow them to focus on recovering from this major disaster event.
Eligible people in these four LGAs will receive a total payment of $3,000 for each adult, plus a total of $1,200 for each child. The additional payments will be paid in two parts. Once they get the first part of the supplement, they will then receive the second payment 7 days later.
"I am on the ground talking to the survivors of this catastrophic event, making sure they get the help they need now and into the future. I want them to reassure them and their families they will not be forgotten," The Hon Shane Stone said.
"I'd encourage anyone who has not yet applied for AGDRP or DRA to do so as soon as possible. The easiest and quickest way to claim AGDRP is online through myGov, which is available 24/7."
If people require support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66. This line is open local time Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
