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Areas in south-eastern New South Wales that were flooded in recent torrential rains – including Jellat Jellat, between Bega and Tathra – have had access to funding for disaster relief. Photo: Bega Valley Shire Council.
After heavy rains throughout March, businesses, producers and households in South East New South Wales are eligible for various forms of government funding for disaster relief.
According to Weatherzone, in the month leading up to March 29, Batemans Bay received 273.4mm of rain, Bega 214mm and Queanbeyan 110.2mm.
According to the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA), a natural disaster has been declared by the Federal Government and the NSW Government in Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Queanbeyan-Palerang counties due to storms and flooding.
“If your farm, business, property or non-profit organization is affected by the flooding, we invite you to contact the relevant federal and state government agencies which currently offer support and financial assistance,” said the Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Council, Russell Fitzpatrick.
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The Bega Valley Shire Council said primary producers directly affected by a declared natural disaster who are in urgent and real need of assistance may be eligible for low-interest loans of up to $ 130,000.
Transportation subsidies are also available to primary producers, covering up to 50 percent of the total cost of transporting inventory or fodder up to a maximum of $ 15,000 per farm business per fiscal year.
Small businesses and non-profit organizations that have been directly affected by a declared natural disaster, including flood, fire, or storm damage, may also be eligible for low-interest loans of up to up to $ 130,000.
Households that have been directly affected by a natural disaster may be eligible for the Australian government disaster recovery payment of up to $ 1,000 per adult and $ 400 per child.
Households can also apply for Disaster Recovery Allowance, which provides short-term income support to help people who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of storms or floods.
“It is really important that those who have been affected seek help,” said Mayor Fitzpatrick.
“It could be a government agency or it could be your neighbor over the fence. With the fires, floods and droughts that have each taken their toll lately, it is really important for all of us to keep a watchful eye on our friends and neighbors who may need help.
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“If government financial support is vital for councils, farmers and business owners, so too are acts of friendship. “
Low interest loans to primary producers and small businesses, as well as the transport subsidy, can be applied for through the The RAA website.
Households can claim Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance through Australia Services or by calling 180 22 66.
