MEDIA RELEASE
Small businesses and farmers in the Tweed and Richmond Valley affected by the floods are eligible for large recovery grant packages activated by the Australian and New South Wales Governments.
Senator Perin Davey welcomed the activation of Category D assistance through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Through the DRFA, small businesses can access up to $50,000 in grants for direct damage, and farmers and primary producers can access payments of up to $75,000 where direct damage has occurred, on a cost shared basis.
These grants were put in place for communities during the 2021 floods. The costs of the Category D assistance will be shared equally between the Australian and NSW Governments.
“These grants are focused on giving small businesses, farmers and not-for-profits the resources they need to clean-up, rebuild and keep operating,” Senator Davey said.
“Money and financial assistance are only part of the recovery process and as we move from the emergency phase to the recovery phase, we will be able to announce further measures to help people recover and rebuild.
“This is just the first phase of the floods and we as a government, together with the State, are committed to working together to help our local communities get through this hardship.”
The full suite of measures, including the small business grants, ensure Richmond and Tweed Valley communities can commence immediate recovery work once floodwaters recede. This includes:
- $210 million to assist affected communities with the clean-up and removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste. This will enable Local Government Areas to work with Resilience NSW and NSW Government agencies to coordinate clean-up activities in their communities.
- $111.5 million to support recovery grants of up to $75,000 to assist primary producers that have suffered direct damage from the recent severe weather and flooding.
- $89.7 million to support recovery grants of up to $50,000 to assist small business and not-for-profit organisations that have suffered direct damage from the event.
- $1 million grants to impacted AGRN 1012 disaster declared Local Government Areas to assist with their immediate social, economic and environmental recovery needs.
- $6.5 million to provide Community Recovery Officers to support communities impacted by this event.
Senator Davey explained the activation of these Category D grants is part of the planned phased response to the flood emergency.
She also advised they are not the only forms of support and assistance available with Services Australia and Service NSW providing vital service and assistance.
Resilience NSW will work closely with the National Recovery and Resilience Agency (NRRA) on a second phase DRFA package to address the long-term rebuilding needs of impacted communities.
“We understand the severity and impact the floods have on local communities which is why we are here to help in any way possible. Recovery takes time which is why the NSW Government is here for the long haul,” Senator Davey said.
People in NSW requiring disaster recovery support are urged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or online via service.nsw.gov.au.
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