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Small businesses in NSW with fewer than 20 employees will be eligible to apply for grants of up to $25,000 to help with clean-up and recovery costs relating to severe weather and flooding in May, or damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The same scheme will be available for non-profit organisations and primary producers directly impacted by flooding, while grants of up to $10,000 will be on offer to eligible rural landholders to assist with clean-up, repairs and recovery work, including fixing damaged fences, infrastructure or equipment.
The support plan announced today with funding from both the federal and state governments will also include a $5 million program to clear drainage on private land following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Individuals may also be eligible for a $180 hardship payment, capped at $900 for households of five or more, to help cover essential items like food, clothing and medicine following the recent flood event.
This package is part of ongoing efforts to support flood-hit communities as they recover and rebuild. Last week the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) declared the flooding event in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions as a catastrophe.
Recovery grants for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations will be available in the local government areas of Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lake Macquarie, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, Maitland, Mid Coast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Richmond Valley, Singleton, Tenterfield, Tweed, Upper Hunter and Walcha.
Grants for rural landholders will be available in the local government areas of Armidale, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Mid Coast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter and Walcha.
"We know how tough this period has been for so many across New South Wales, and this funding is about making sure people get the support they need to recover and rebuild with dignity," says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
"This is a clear example of the Australian and NSW Governments working together to deliver real help on the ground where it’s needed most.
"“Whether it’s helping families get back into safe housing, or supporting local businesses and farmers to clean up and keep going, we’re standing with communities every step of the way."
NSW Premier Chris Minns says the funding ensures people get the support they need now, whether it’s a roof over their head, financial assistance or help with rebuilding.
"The funding package recognises that people are doing it tough. We are making sure there's money for cleanup, to help farmers, and helping businesses get back on their feet," the Premier says.
"For a natural disaster of this size and scale, we're going to be with these communities for the long haul.”
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