NSW and Federal Governments Declare Nature Disaster Zone, Unlocking Funding for Affected Communities

Strategic Insights -

The state and federal governments have declared the entire Hunter region, as well as parts of the Central Coast and Mid North Coast, as a nature disaster zone. This declaration unlocks rapid assistance for those affected, providing a range of support measures to help communities recover from the floods. The governments have activated a range of basic support to assist flood-impacted communities and councils, including grants for low-income residents to replace lost essential items and undertake structural repairs, concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, and freight subsidies for primary producers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The entire Hunter region, including 7 local government areas, has been declared a nature disaster zone by the state and federal governments.
  • The Central Coast and Mid North Coast LGAs have also been declared disaster zones, including 8 additional local government areas.
  • The declaration unlocks rapid assistance for those affected, providing support measures such as grants for low-income residents, concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, and freight subsidies for primary producers.
  • Assistance measures under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) include emergency accommodation, essential items, structural repairs, and support for affected local councils.
  • Concessional interest rate loans will be available for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
  • Grants will be provided to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
  • Freight subsidies will be available for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
  • Financial support will be provided towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

Statistics:

  • 7 local government areas in the Hunter region have been declared disaster zones.
  • 8 additional local government areas in the Central Coast and Mid North Coast have been declared disaster zones.
  • 15 local government areas in total have been declared a nature disaster zone.
  • The NSW government has activated a range of support measures to assist flood-impacted communities and councils.
  • The joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will provide funding for emergency accommodation, essential items, structural repairs, and support for affected local councils.
  • Concessional interest rate loans will be available for up to $250,000 for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations.
  • Grants will be provided to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property, with a value up to $100,000.
  • Freight subsidies will be available for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder, with a value up to $20,000.

Sources:

  • NSW Government (n.d.). NSW declares Hunter and Mid North Coast disaster zones.
  • Australian Government (n.d.). Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
  • NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin (n.d.). Statement on disaster zone declaration.
  • Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain (n.d.). Statement on disaster zone declaration.