Hi Swaggers,
I want to share with you information that may help you if you or someone you know that has been effected by the floods in Northern NSW in the Lismore, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley LGAs.
The Federal Government has released more funding and help, Our Local National Member, Kevin Hogan has posted this yesterday after the Prime Minister visited the area Yesterday.
In the text below, copy and paste the text to the url's your browser.
"MORE FINANCIAL SUPPORT ANNOUNCED TODAY (more to come)
Today we have announced more support for our region. I am still pushing for more unprecedented funding to help individuals and families.
An additional two weekly disaster payments for Lismore, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley LGAs, automatic at the current rate of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child. This will be automatic if you have already applied.
Support for Norco to support jobs and help restore their operations.
$10 million to support the mental health of school-aged children. This will be through the ‘Resilient Kids’ program.
$800,000 to extend the Regional Small Business Support Program. For more information, click here: https://recovery.gov.au/programs/rural-financial-counselling/regional-small-business-support-program
$10 million to boost existing legal assistance services.
$25 million for emergency relief, food relief and financial counseling services.
$6.9 million in support payments of $10,000 to assist early childhood education and care (ECEC) services that have been closed for more than seven days. More severely impacted services will also be able to apply for Community Child Care Fund Special Circumstances grants
$7 million to expand the Commonwealth’s business recovery and resilience service, Strengthening Business. For more information, click here: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/strengthening-business
$31.2 million to deliver immediate and longer term local mental health support services for individuals, families, and communities impacted by the disaster.
$4.7 million to ensure the immediate continuity of primary health care services for flood-impacted Australians.
THIS IS ON TOP OF FUNDING WE HAVE ALREADY ANNOUNCED:
Grants for small businesses - up to $50,000 is available to cover costs including repairing damaged fittings and equipment and replacing stock. Click here to apply: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-february-and-march-2022-storm-and-flood-disaster-recovery-small-business-grant
Grants for non-profit organisations - up to $50,000 is available to cover costs including repairing damaged fittings and equipment and replacing stock. Click here to apply: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-february-and-march-2022-storm-and-flood-disaster-recovery-small-business-grant
Grants for primary producers - available to cover costs including repairing damaged fencing and equipment, replacing livestock, salvaging crops and restoring fields. Click this link to apply: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/storm-and-flood-programs
Flood Clean-up Package - the clean-up covers both insured and uninsured properties and assists with the clean-up and restoration of flood damaged assets. Click here to apply: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/nsw-floods-request-clean-and-essential-items.
Freight subsidies for primary producers - up to 50% of the cost on the carriage of
livestock and fodder to help primary producers. This will be available through the Rural Assistance Authority, call 1800 678 593 to apply.
Local Government Recovery Grants - will be given to councils for the immediate recovery activities, address emerging needs and help build community resilience. This is on top of funding to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
The Disaster Recovery Payment is $1000 per adult and $400 per child. For a family with two adults and two children, that's $2800 available now.
To claim the Disaster Recovery Payment click this link: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/nsw-floods-february-2022?context=60042&fbclid=IwAR1ylgrC37Me2Jv21g9SwaJKQbx3jAwDoT1t46R73UA26rg8iCOuLIG8Kwk
The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is an ongoing payment for a maximum of 13 weeks. This is up to $677 per fortnight, depending on your personal circumstances.
To claim the Disaster Recovery Allowance, click this link: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/nsw-floods-february-2022?context=60042&fbclid=IwAR3W7KmSdt68-5_RrW5DJ0qXJqbRJjbWRD1nUwvV_U-ekxbzOCNBA9JHCl4
If you require support to claim, call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
Disaster Relief Grants are available through Resilience NSW. This can cover emergency food, clothing and accommodation, repair or replacement of essential furniture and personal effects, and essential repairs to housing to a habitable condition. Click here to apply: https://www.nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw/disaster-relief-grant-for-individuals
The Australian Taxation Office has also announced support including extra time to pay tax or lodge tax returns, activity statements or other obligations, and are prioritising any refunds owed to you. For more information, click here: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Support-in-difficult-times/
There are Centrelink and Service NSW staff available at evacuation centres, and a mobile office is set up at Goonellabah Community Centre to assist with claims."
If you are struggling, please contact any one of the fantastic services below.
Beyond Blue, 1300 22 4636
Lifeline, 131 114
Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800
Carers Australia, 1800 242 636
And there are many more.
