LOCKHART, PARKES SHIRES ADDED TO DISASTER SUPPORT LIST

Residents, farmers and businesses in Lockhart and Parkes Shires will be able to access disaster assistance to help recover from recent severe weather events.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Lockhart and Parkes Local Government Areas have been added to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) along with three other Riverina Electorate LGAs: Cowra, Forbes and Weddin

DRFA is a program jointly funded by the Federal Government and New South Wales Government.

“This is about getting support to the places most affected by the recent heavy downpours and flooding events as a result of the rain,” Mr McCormack said.

“I am proud to be part of a Coalition Government which has the backs of regional and rural Australians when times are tough.

“We know these driving rains have, at the very least, put potential bumper harvests in serious jeopardy if not already completely ruined by floodwaters.

“Unfortunately, this continues to be an unfolding situation for many areas with more rain forecast and the La Nina weather pattern wreaking havoc across the State.”

The disaster assistance will help the Cowra, Forbes, Lockhart, Parkes and Weddin councils cover the costs associated with the operational response and repairing damaged essential public assets.

Local residents will also receive support to get back on their feet, including grants to replace essential household contents or repair structural damage to homes.

Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

  • Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);

  • 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 non-profit organisations;

  • Freight subsidies for primary producers; and

  • Grants to eligible non-profit organisations.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

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

Shane Manning