Joint government funding announced for NSW flood victims
Thousands of flood victims across New South Wales will benefit from additional joint funding from the federal and NSW governments, as the state continues to grapple with devastating floods.
Prime Minster Anthony Albanese announced today a further $80 million to assist with clean up efforts as well as grants for farmers, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations and local councils.
Albanese also promised $36 million for a program designed to assess buildings and flooded properties including free demolition of those found to be unlivable.
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Flooding in Wiseman's Ferry on the Hawkesbury in NSW, July. Transport For NSW
"I have seen first-hand the devastation many people now face in NSW," he said in a statement.
"To see your home, your business and your livelihood disappear under floodwaters is incredibly traumatic."
"As we emerge from this disaster, the scale of the recovery effort is becoming clearer, and it will be a long road for many."
Farmers who have suffered direct flood damage will be able to apply for grants of up to $75,000; Small businesses and not-for-profit organisations impacted will be able to apply for grants of up to $50,000.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces additional funding for NSW flood victims. 9News
Flooding in the Hunter Region, Maitland, July. Getty
The 37 local government areas (LGAs) across the state eligible for flood-support payments will have access to additional $1 million grants to assist with immediate recovery costs.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the funding ensures communities can commence immediate recovery works.
"We need to reassure people that the support they need is available when the floodwaters recede – they can't be left wondering," he said.
The government says more than half a million flood impacted people have already received more than $436 million in disaster assistance.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance is available to affected adults and children in the 37 disaster-declared local government areas.
One-off $1,000 payments for adults and $400 for children are available to people who have suffered significant loss due to the floods.
Eligible NSW local government areas:
- Bayside
- Blacktown
- Blue Mountains
- Camden
- Campbelltown
- Canterbury Bankstown
- Central Coast
- Cessnock
- Cumberland
- Dungog
- Fairfield
- Georges River
- Hawkesbury
- Hornsby
- Kiama
- Lake Macquarie
- Lithgow
- Liverpool
- Maitland
- Mid-Coast
- Muswellbrook
- Nambucca Heads
- Newcastle
- Northern Beaches
- Penrith
- Port Stephens
- Randwick
- Shellharbour
- Shoalhaven
- Singleton
- Sutherland
- The Hills
- Upper Lachlan
- Warren
- Wingecarribee
- Wollondilly
- Wollongong.
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