The Federal Government has made disaster relief payments available to affected residents in NSW as the rain was forecast to continue and flooding has shown no signs of easing in some areas.
Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt announced the funding on Tuesday morning saying it would be “uncapped” and “demand-driven”.
Residents of 23 flood-affected areas will be eligible. The money will go to people whose homes or belongings have been damaged, to support local councils in clean up efforts and restoration of public services, loans for small businesses and non-profits, and freight subsidies for producers.
Eligible areas include Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Canterbury Bankstown, Campbelltown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kiama, Lithgow, Liverpool, Northern Beaches, Penrith, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, The Hills, Wingecaribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong.
Watt said this was “the beginning of the process in terms of disaster payments”.
“Late last night, both the federal and state governments activated what are known as the disaster recovery funding arrangements and that triggers the first round of disaster support that can be provided from, to individuals, farmers, small businesses, councils, sporting groups, a wide range of assistance that is now available,” he told ABC News Breakfast.
“[They] are uncapped payments, they are demand-driven and they will be available for anyone who qualifies.”
Overnight the Albanese Govt, along with the NSW Govt, activated disaster funding to provide quick financial support to those impacted by #NSWFloods. More proactive cooperation on disasters between Fed-State Govts means we’re better prepared & respond faster. pic.twitter.com/bsX7uyEgyW
