Joint media release with the Hon Steph Cooke MP
Financial support is now available in the Port Macquarie Hastings local government area (LGA) with a natural disaster declaration made after a severe storm earlier this month.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the severe storm which hit the area on February 3 caused significant damage.
"Heavy rainfall and gale force winds damaged buildings, downed trees and knocked out the power supply," Minister Watt said.
"Some Port Macquarie residents have likened the conditions to a 'mini cyclone'. Whether it's destructive storm like this one, or the floods which have ripped through New South Wales in recent months, the Albanese Government will continue to provide assistance to help communities get back on their feet as soon as possible."
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Natural Disaster Declaration is a crucial step in unlocking assistance for affected communities.
"This storm hit hard and fast causing widespread destruction and there's a long recovery ahead, which is why it's important we have the assistance in place to help people bounce back as quickly as possible," Ms Cooke said.
"We've seen severe weather events impact towns right across NSW over the past 12 months, and the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will continue to support communities through whatever threats emerge."
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and includes:
- Help for people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);
- Support for the local council to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;
- Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; and
- Freight subsidies for primary producers.
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit www.nsw.gov.au.
To apply for a concessional loan or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.
