Flood Assistance Activated for 16 Local Government Areas in the Hunter and Mid North Coast

Strategic Insights -

Communities in 16 Local Government Areas in the Hunter and Mid North Coast have been activated for disaster assistance following severe weather, including heavy rainfall. The Albanese and Minns Governments have activated the assistance under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), providing support for immediate needs, essential repairs, and recovery efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Albanese and Minns Governments have activated disaster assistance for 16 LGAs in the Hunter and Mid North Coast due to severe weather, including heavy rainfall.
  • Support is available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), including grants for low-income, uninsured residents, and concessional interest rate loans for small businesses and primary producers.
  • Assistance measures may include emergency accommodation, essential items, and grants for structural repairs to restore homes to a basic, safe, and habitable condition.
  • Support is also available for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
  • Landholders impacted by the floods can receive urgent assistance through the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) program by calling the emergency hotline at 1800 814 647.
  • Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain emphasized the importance of community awareness and listening to the advice of emergency services, as conditions are expected to continue into the week.

Statistics:

  • 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been activated for disaster assistance: Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Singleton, and Upper Hunter.
  • Support is available under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA)
  • AASFA emergency hotline operating hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm (1800 814 647)
  • $[amount] is being made available for disaster assistance, although exact figure not specified in the source

Sources:

  • Australian Government's Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements
  • NSW Government's Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area program