Tuesday, 1 March 2022
LOCAL councils, residents, farmers and communities impacted by this week’s severe weather and flooding will be able to immediately access disaster assistance, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced today.
The local government areas (LGA) of Armidale Regional and Glen Innes Severn have today been disaster declared, in relation to the ongoing weather event which started in NSW on 22 February 2022.
Mr Marshall welcomed the speedy natural disaster declaration by the State and Commonwealth Governments.
“While we have been spared the tragedy that is unfolding for our neighbours on the Northern Rivers, the recent weather has significantly impacted some roads in the electorate,” Mr Marshall said.
“In particular, the Armidale to Kempsey Road is again closed following another significant land slip, five kilometres from the top of the hill.
“Armidale Regional Council is continuing to assess the damage, and this disaster declaration will assist in getting that road back open and providing access to residents at Lower Creek.
“I’m pleased the NSW and Commonwealth governments are working closely together to provide immediate relief to those impacted in the last few days and support the longer term recovery of our local communities.
“The heartbreaking situation in Northern NSW will continue for some days yet and my thoughts are with those who have lost lives, homes and livelihoods in this disaster.”
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Assistance measures available 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;
Flood Disaster Recovery Funding is available through Service NSW on 17 77 88.
For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au/disaster-recovery