Disaster assistance has been extended to the local government areas of Clarence Valley, Dungog, Mid Coast, Walcha and Warrumbungle in response to storms and floods in late December.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds, who has responsibility for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the impacts of the storm were still being realised.

“Through the DRFA, the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments are working collaboratively to ensure affected communities have the support they need to recover,” Assistant Minister Reynolds said.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said the extension of joint government financial aid would support those who are suffering personal hardship, while funding for local councils will help with the cost of cleaning up.

“This assistance will ensure communities in these affected areas can better recover, rebuild and replace damaged public infrastructure, including roads,” Minister Grant said.

“We know some people have been doing it really tough since these storms struck so we’re very proud to lend a helping hand to make sure communities can get back on their feet that little bit quicker with the support they need.”

The following assistance is available under the DRFA:

• Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged;
  
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;
  
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and nonprofit organisations;
• Freight subsidies for primary producers; and,
  
• Grants to non-profit organisations.
  

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.

To apply for a concessional loan, grant or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Information on disaster assistance available for this natural disaster can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the Emergency NSW website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au.