Macarthur MP Dr Mike Freelander has welcomed the joint federal-state response to the impact of the severe storms and wild weather that hit South Western Sydney and other parts of NSW.
The Albanese Federal Government and the NSW Government have agreed to jointly fund disaster assistance packages to provide relief to affected local government areas that have been declared as natural disaster zones.
The assistance is being provided through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Dr Freelander says the quick response from both the Albanese and NSW State Government’s was a good demonstration of governments working together in times of crisis.
He said two LGAs within Macarthur are eligible for funding assistance under the DRFA program, these being Campbelltown and Camden, as well as the neighbouring LGAs of Wollondilly and Liverpool.
This financial support follows the recent deployment of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and assets by Prime Minister Albanese to assist with the rescue, recovery, and restoration of severely damaged areas. Dr Freelander gave a big thumbs up to these responses, which he said were “quick and appropriate’’.
“I am very glad to be part of a government that sees an issue, in this case a danger to our communities, and acts swiftly and appropriately,’’ he said.
“It is very saddening to see local homes and businesses being damaged and livelihoods destroyed during this wild weather, and I extend my deepest sympathy to those affected.”
Under the DRFA, assistance can be made available for: Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (pursuant to certain eligibility criteria being met);
Support for affected local councils to assist with the cost of cleaning and restoring damaged roads and essential public assets;
Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations;
Freight subsidiaries for primary producers.
Further information can be found through www.recovery.gov.au or www.raa.nsw.gov.au. Additional support can be obtained through Service NSW on 13 77 88.
