Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education

The Australian and New South Wales governments have today extended Small Business and Primary Producer recovery grants to help residents impacted by a number of significant storm and flood events that occurred from October 2021 to March 2022.

The extension of assistance is provided under Category D of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the extension would ensure all communities impacted by devastating weather events over the summer season had equal access to support.

“The Australian and NSW governments are focused on giving small businesses and not-for-profits the tools they need to clean-up, rebuild and keep operating,” Minister McKenzie said.

“The devastation we have seen across New South Wales is heartbreaking and this financial support will provide a much needed helping hand for those primary producers and businesses hardest hit.

“We will continue to work with the NSW Government to roll out targeted support for our communities impacted by natural disasters,” Minister McKenzie said.

The $50,000 Recovery Grant Program for primary producers and small businesses impacted by storms and floods in November and December 2021 has been extended to Albury, Bland, Goulburn Mulwaree, Greater Hume, Griffith, Hilltops, Narrandera and Temora – all of which were impacted by the Southern NSW storms and floods from 5 January 2022 onwards.

Similarly, Lithgow LGA was impacted by the severe storm on 11 January 2022, and is now also eligible for the $50,000 Primary Producer Recovery Grants and the Small Business Recovery Grants.

The $50,000 grants for small businesses and non-profit organisations will also be extended to the Northern Beaches LGA impacted by a severe storm on 19 December 2021.

And the Coffs Harbour LGA impacted by severe weather on 20 October 2021 will also be eligible for the Small Business Recovery Grants.

Acting Premier Paul Toole said the supports were designed to provide targeted short-term assistance to help flood-affected communities bounce back from catastrophic floods.

“Small businesses and primary producers are the backbone of so many hard-hit regional communities, and this extended support will help them get back on their feet in the weeks, months and years of rebuilding ahead,” Mr Toole said.

“It’s only now that waters are receding we’re seeing the full extent of damage caused by these floods, and we’re making sure money lands in the hands of those who need it most right now.

“We know these supports will have an immediate positive effect and I would encourage anyone in NSW who has suffered as the result of storms and floods this summer to please contact Service NSW and find out what you are eligible for.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the NSW Government was mobilising every possible resource to kick-start recovery around the State.

“It doesn’t matter where you are or when you were impacted, we will stand by communities for as long as it takes to recover from this disaster,” Ms Cooke said.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said no stone was being left unturned by the government when it comes to ensuring farmers can get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

“It’s going to be a long road to recovery for our landholders – particularly those who have been repeatedly hurt by adverse weather – however this funding means they’ll have access to support during the crucial period of rebuilding now and into the future,” Mr Saunders said.

People requiring disaster recovery support are urged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.