Prime Minister and NSW Premier announce further flood support

The Prime Minister and NSW Premier have jointly announced further support for flood-affected communities, including Narrabri Shire.

Small businesses and not-for-profit organisations affected by ongoing flooding can now apply for recovery grants of up to $50,000 as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The first $25,000 of the grant can be paid quickly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced, and a further $25,000 can be paid upon receipts being shown.

“This is Commonwealth and State jointly working together. That’s what people want to see,” the Prime Minister said.

“I pay tribute to the cooperation that’s there between the Commonwealth and the State government. This is about working together.”

Mr Albanese and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet were in Central West NSW earlier this week to see the impact of flooding in Eugowra.

“We know this repeated, relentless, flooding is very tough on people, and we want them to know we will be there to support them now – and as they continue to recover,” Mr Albanese said.

“The Australian government is working closely with the NSW government to ensure financial support is provided where it is needed to assist residents and local communities who have been impacted by the floods.”

Mr Perrottet said the small business grants will make a difference to flood-affected communities.

“We’ve seen these grants following other natural disasters really supporting businesses, getting them back on track, giving people the confidence to open,” he said.

“We know many small businesses across flood-impacted areas are doing it tough right now, which is why this assistance to help them bounce back is so important.

“This support will help small businesses in these communities with the clean-up and recovery process so they can get back up and running.”

The announcement of further flood support follows increased support and a higher category for affected primary producers.

Narrabri Shire primary producers are now eligible for ‘Category D’ assistance which is the highest type of disaster support available.

The heightened declaration was made on November 18, and also includes surrounding local government areas impacted by major flood events.

Eligible primary producers are able to access special disaster grants up to $75,000.

This support is in addition to earlier ‘Category B’ support for primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit community organisations.