MORE SUPPORT FOR FLOOD-HIT RIVERINA AND COOTAMUNDRA ELECTORATE INDUSTRIES

Further support is available for primary industries in the Riverina and Cootamundra electorates affected by storms and floods earlier this year.

The Federal and New South Wales Governments are continuing to support primary industries in the Riverina and Cootamundra electorates through the $80 million Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program, which is now open for applications.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack urged eligible industries affected by the February and March 2021 storm and flood events to apply for support.

“These weather events had a significantly detrimental impact on industries across the Riverina and Central West, particularly the agriculture sector,” Mr McCormack said.

“This program is designed to directly assist farmers and other primary producers to help get them back on their feet and delivering the very best food and fibre.”

State Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke added how important it is to support these key regional industries post disaster who are the backbone of the state and keep the economy thriving.

“The support measures will help primary producers in many practical ways including replacing lost livestock, repairing damaged infrastructure and accessing vet or pest management advice,” Ms Cooke said.

“Whilst the grants offer support to rebuild after disaster, they also encourage a focus on building resilience and being proactive and prepared for future natural disasters.”

The program will be delivered through two targeted streams:

• Supply Chain Support Grant: around $50 million in grants of between $30,000 and $100,000 to help primary producers and primary production enterprises to rebuild and recover in the medium to longer-term with the aim of supporting job security, future resilience and enabling future production; and

• Sector Recovery and Resilience Grant: around $30 million for medium to longer-term recovery and resilience projects which will support industry-wide recovery, with a focus on building resilience and preparedness for future natural disasters.

The Industry Recovery Program is part of the $790 million NSW Storm and Flood Recovery Package, jointly funded by Commonwealth-NSW Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

In addition to producer grants for eligible industries, the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program will deliver broader sector recovery and resilience projects, which will further support regional and state recovery and preparedness efforts.

The Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program is one part of the $790 million NSW Storm and Flood Recovery Package, co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

For more information about the program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/StormFloodRecovery

Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au