Natural Disaster Declarations for Northern Tablelands

Gwydir, Inverell and Tenterfield Shires have been added to the growing list of Natural Disaster Declarations Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay said today.
Mr Torbay said while some areas such as Moree face mass evacuations ahead of rising floodwaters, the main impact in the Northern Tablelands has so far been road closures, loss of crops and infrastructure damage.
"The declaration of Natural Disasters by the Minister for Emergency Services is a welcome step to provide additional assistance to Councils, business owners and individuals adversely impacted by the recent ongoing wet weather," Mr Torbay said. "While parts of the state are facing isolation due to floods, the ongoing wet weather across this region is causing further damage to roads, bridges and farm infrastructure not yet fully recovered from damaging weather late last year.
"Ratepayers are now faced with massive bills to rectify this ongoing damage and I will continue to seek further assistance through the federal government Roads to Recovery Program which is part of the Nation Building Program.
"Put simply, Councils are not in a position to rectify damage from these ongoing natural disasters without substantial support from federal and state governments."
Assistance available through Natural Disaster Declarations on an eligibility basis includes;
• Personal Hardship and Distress Assistance. Ph: 1800 018 444. Website:www.community.nsw.gov.au
• Primary Producers- Loans of up to $130,000 at a concessional interest rate. Inquiries 1800 678 593. Website: www.raa.nsw.gov.au
• Primary Producers- Transport Subsidies. Inquiries - 1800 814 647. Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
• Small Businesses loans of up to $130,000. Inquiries 1800 678 593. Website: www.raa.nsw.gov.au
• For Councils grants are available to meet the additional costs of emergency work to restore essential services and permanently restore roads and bridges to pre-disaster standards.
• Parks and Reserves Trustees - grants may be made available to those parties responsible for managing Crown Land, parks and reserves. Website: www.lands.nsw.gov.au
• Sporting Clubs – Possible grants available Ph: 9228 5181 to inquire about eligibility.