Disaster relief measures have been extended to the Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, and Tenterfield Local Government Areas (LGAs) in northern New South Wales as the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred continue to be felt inland.
Support is available under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), providing assistance to affected residents, businesses, and local councils.
Available Assistance
The relief measures include:
- Support for eligible residents to meet immediate needs such as emergency accommodation and essential items, typically provided through evacuation or recovery centres.
- Grants for low-income residents to replace essential household items and undertake structural repairs to restore homes to a safe and habitable condition.
- Financial support for local councils to assist with the clean-up and restoration of damaged public infrastructure.
- Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations, along with grants for sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged property.
- Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
- Funding for emergency service organisations to support disaster response efforts.
Government Response
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister acknowledged the challenges faced by communities in northern NSW.
“We are extending the support available to assist more flood-impacted residents in the immediate recovery phase,” Minister McAllister said.
“Thank you to all the community members who have heeded the advice of the local authorities and all the personnel out there working to keep their communities safe.
“We are urging the community to know your local risk, listen to emergency services, have a plan. If it’s flooded, forget it.”
Minister McAllister also emphasised the continued collaboration between the Australian and NSW governments in response efforts.
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib highlighted the importance of timely assistance to help communities recover.
“Communities are still dealing with rain and flooding from the cyclone, and this assistance will help us quickly shift to recovery as soon as the weather clears,” Minister Dib said.
“We are rolling out support measures for communities we know are likely to be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and as impacts become clearer, we will consider further measures to support the community.”
Minister Dib also acknowledged the work of emergency service volunteers and the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which has been active in northern NSW.
“Communities have worked hard to prepare for this cyclone, and we understand this has been difficult for Northern Rivers residents who experienced floods in 2022. We are committed to continuing to support this resilient community through these challenges.”
For further information on disaster assistance, residents can visit the NSW Government and Disaster Assist websites.
