Wollondilly residents who suffered damage during the wild storms of last month can now apply for disaster assistance.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to those affected by the storms that occurred on Saturday, October 23, and hit some parts of the Shire particularly hard, including Thirlmere and Buxton.
Federal member for Hume, Angus Taylor, says the Wollondilly region was hit hard by a storm that brought heavy rainfall and large hail.
“The storms caused damage to critical local infrastructure and homes, while very heavy rain and large quantities of hail caused localised flooding,” Mr Taylor said.
“An extensive clean-up is already under way, with a coordinated effort from various agencies and community members.
“This disaster assistance will provide a range of practical assistance measures to help council, individuals, primary producers, small businesses and charities to get back on their feet,” Mr Taylor 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
- 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
