Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, today announced that the Australian Government is providing natural disaster assistance to Northern New South Wales communities hit by heavy rainfall and flooding in January, 2012.
Mr McClelland said that assistance is being provided through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), jointly funded by the Commonwealth and States, to the five local government areas of Bellingen, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley.
“A range of disaster assistance schemes are available in the disaster affected areas to support councils, families, local businesses and farmers impacted by the floods.”
Individuals suffering from personal hardship as a result of the flooding may be eligible for emergency assistance. Information regarding the disaster assistance schemes that have been made available under the NDRRA can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au along with up to date information about all current disaster assistance.
“Damage assessments are continuing across the state and should it be identified that other areas have suffered damage from this event, assistance may be extended to cover those areas as well,” said Mr McClelland
“These payments are a demonstration of the Commonwealth and NSW governments’ commitment to helping disaster affected communities with their recovery,” Mr McClelland said.
“The Commonwealth Government will continue to work closely with the NSW Government to ensure affected councils have the support they need.”
*Update:
31 February 2012 – The Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Inverell, Nambucca, Kempsey and Tweed Shire Councils have now been added to the list of Northern NSW LGAs where Australian Government assistance is available after recent heavy rain and floods.
8 February 2012 – The LGAs of Liverpool Plains, Ballina, Upper Hunter and Gloucester have also been added to the list of Northern NSW LGAs where Australian Government assistance is available after recent heavy rain and floods.
These latest LGAs join Bellingen, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley as announced in the original release.
Contact: Simon Ferguson – (02) 6277 7667 or 0427 934 112
