Attorney-General
Minister for Emergency Management
The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services
The Hon Michael Gallacher
Joint Media Release
Additional disaster assistance for NSW farmers
Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Mark Dreyfus QC and NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher today announced additional assistance for farmers hit by the January and February 2013 floods and storms in Ballina, Byron, Gloucester and Richmond Valley.
Category C clean-up and recovery grants of up to $15,000 will be made available to eligible primary producers through the NSW Disaster Assistance Arrangements that are jointly funded with the Commonwealth Government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
"These grants will be in addition to the concessional interest rate loans already available to farmers under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements," Mr Dreyfus said.
"Category C grants are now available in the 13 local government areas of Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Gloucester, Greater Taree, Kempsey, Lismore, Nambucca, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond Valley and Tweed."
"This much-needed assistance will provide a boost to our farming sector already facing the long road back to recovery following these devastating events," Mr Gallacher said.
"I would encourage primary producers in these areas affected by the floods and storms earlier this year to contact the New South Wales Rural Assistance Authority to test their eligibility."
For further information on the grants, including eligibility, refer to the NSW Rural Assistance Authority by calling 1800 678 593, or visit their website at http://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/
Further information on Australian Government assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au
The Australian and NSW governments will continue to work together to ensure that disaster affected communities can quickly recover.
MONDAY, 24 JUNE 2013
