
The super cell event in Parkes on 2nd of January with high winds and over 100mm of rain, caused significant damage. (Photo: Rochelle Frame)
Disaster assistance is now available in Parkes, as well as Glen Innes Severn and Tamworth following severe storms last month. Assistance will be provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said severe winds and heavy rainfall caused significant damage to local roads, businesses and residential properties, due to fallen trees and water inundation.
“Through the DRFA, a range of practical assistance measures are now available to help councils with ongoing clean-up and repairs to infrastructure.”
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the event led to a significant response from the NSW State Emergency Services. “The assistance will help cover the costs associated with the operational response and repairing dam-aged essential public assets.”
A range of practical assistance measures are also available to individuals including grants to replace essential household contents or repair structural damage to homes. Assistance available under the DRFA may include: help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged; support for affected local councils; concessional interest rate loans for small business, primary producers and non-profit organisations; freight subsidies for primary producers, and grants to eligible non-profit organisations.
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88. To apply for a concessional
loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.