THE MidCoast Local Government Area has been declared a Natural Disaster Zone following the flooding events which started on Wednesday 6 July.

The decision to extend the Commonwealth-State disaster assistance to the area followed the announcement of seven other LGAs including Cumberland, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Randwick and Warren.

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The total number of disaster-declared LGAs for the weather for the NSW floods which started on 27 June 2022 is now 37.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the severe weather and flooding continues to impact many areas of New South Wales with flood evacuation orders still in place.

“I’ve been out in impacted areas this week and it’s clear this is a widespread event, which is going to take some time to recover from,” Minister Watt said.

“As the damage continues to be assessed, the New South Wales and Australian governments are working to quickly and efficiently provide access to financial and other assistance.”

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead MP said the natural disaster declaration means that funding and support is available to locals.

“This means assistance is available to people whose homes or essential household items have been destroyed or damaged, and for business owners and primary producers who have suffered direct damage,” Mr Bromhead said.

“Assistance is also available to MidCoast Council to restore essential public assets like local roads.

“I am urging any local homeowner, business owner or primary producer that suffered direct damage from the flood event on Wednesday 6 July 2022 to apply for the funding and support which is now on offer.”

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Assistance available under the for MidCoast LGA may include:
● Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);
● Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;
● Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; and
● Freight subsidies for primary producers.

The Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child is administered by the Commonwealth and is separate to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

To apply for a concessional loan, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

By Tara CAMPBELL