DISASTER assistance has now been extended to the MidCoast local government area (LGA) following heavy rainfall and flooding across NSW from 1 April 2024.

The assistance measures are being provided by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

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Support includes:

• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation or small cash payments to purchase essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.

• Grants for eligible residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.

• Grants for eligible residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.

• 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 grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.

• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

Acting Federal Minister for Emergency Management Catherine King said the extent of the flooding impact is still being assessed as the waters recede.

“This flood event has caused damage across communities, impacting homes, farms, businesses and volunteer groups,” Minister King said.

“Many Government agencies and community groups are still out on the ground to assess the damage and continue the mammoth clean-up effort.”

Acting NSW Minister for Emergency Services Penny Sharpe said agencies like the State Emergency Service, Environmental Protection Authority and Reconstruction Authority are working closely with local government and community groups to commence the “mammoth clean-up effort”.

“This was a storm event that has affected each area differently, but it was widespread and work to assess the impact is continuing.

“The extension of this disaster declaration unlocks assistance for additional communities in need.”

For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit www.nsw.gov.au.

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

On Friday, the NSW Government also extended the waste levy waiver to the MidCoast LGA.

Residents can now dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without incurring the waste levy fee.

Lifting the fee aims to expedite the recovery process and ease financial burdens on impacted households and businesses.

Residents will not be charged the waste levy fee to get rid of flood-generated waste until 30 June 2024, though local landfill gate fees may apply.

The exemption covers waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris and any other flood-related products.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.