DISASTER ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR COOTAMUNDRA-GUNDAGAI, JUNEE AND LOCKHART LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

Disaster assistance is now available in three Riverina electorate Local Government Areas (LGAs) following severe storms and flash flooding across the south of the State in January 2022.

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed the joint Commonwealth and State Government announcement of support.

“Local Government Areas included in the extended disaster assistance funding include Cootamundra-Gundagai, Junee and Lockhart with assistance being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said damage to council roads and infrastructure throughout these LGAs in the Riverina had been significant as a result of flash flooding in early January.

“Support is now available for these Local Government Areas to repair roads, restore community assets and keep people safe,” Mr McCormack said.

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; and

  • Freight subsidies for primary producers.

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

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

Shane Manning