Disaster assistance is now available for the Clarence Valley local government area (LGA) following severe bushfires.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
State Member for Clarence Richie Williamson has welcomed the support following what he has described as “a hellish time” on the fire grounds.
“Firefighting crews have been doing a tremendous job protecting properties under threat in what have been some pretty harrowing conditions,” Mr Williamson said.
“I know the stress some have been under following the fires with memories of the Black Summer fires in 2019/2020 still very raw.
“Last week I wrote to the NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib calling on the NSW Government to support fire-affected communities in my electorate following months of fires and a terrifying week in and around Nymboida with the Glens Creek Road fire.
“Getting support quickly on the ground is crucial during times like this, and I thank Minster Dib for this fast action on my request for support for impacted communities.”
Mr Williamson said he will be watching the fire situation very closely and should more areas need to be added to the declaration, he will make appropriate representations to the NSW Government to ensure every area in his electorate is included as required.
Assistance available includes:
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
freight subsidies for primary producers.
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 the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Service NSW websites.
To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority website on raa.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 678 593.
Mr Williamson encourages anybody in the declared area not to self-assess and to contact Service NSW or the RAA for assessment.
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