Grants of up to $75,000 for farmers and $10,000 for small businesses have been extended to five more council areas in South Australia, to help communities recover from recent bushfires.
In addition to the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island - Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Mid Murray, Yorke Peninsula and Kingston District council areas are now also eligible for the grants.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the recovery would take some time, which is why repairs need to start as soon as possible.
“Farmers and small businesses can used these grants start rebuild and restock now,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The money can be used to replace things such as sheds, fences and stock so these areas can get back to business sooner.
“An additional small business package is also being developed which will be announced soon.
“Getting communities back to work is one of the best ways to help a community recover.
“This assistance is in addition to the range of support already available through the DRFA which can be rolled out across all bushfires affected communities as needed.
“We will make further recovery assistance available as it is needed.”
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the announcement brings the Yorke Peninsula, wider Adelaide Hills region and South East communities in line with the assistance currently available to those affected by the Kangaroo Island and Cudlee Creek fires.
“In difficult and trying times like these, the community needs assistance quickly and efficiently – and we are here to help,” Minister Lensink said.
“Affected primary producers and small businesses in the South East, as well as those affected by the November 2019 Yorketown fires, can also now access the recovery grants announced last week.
“For small businesses, this is up to $10,000 to give them the immediate assistance they need to help them get back on their feet as they look to rebuild and recover.”
For information about recovery, or to access the primary producer and small business grants, people can visit dhs.sa.gov.au/recovery or call the Recovery Hotline on 1800 302 787.
For information about personal and financial counselling people can call the Financial Counselling Helpline on 1800 007 007 and the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 836 211.
Further information on disaster assistance is at www.disasterassist.gov.au and www.dhs.sa.gov.au/recovery