Tuesday, 21 January 2020
NORTHERN Tablelands MP and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has today announced local farmers affected by the recent bush fires can now apply for a Special Disaster Grant of up to $75,000 to help pay for recovery costs thanks to a joint initiative by the State and Federal Governments.
Mr Marshall said primary producers devastated by the fires needed support to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
“Along the range our farmers have faced crippling drought and ferocious fires and this money is critical to keep them on the land and give them hope for the future,” Mr Marshall said.
“Emergency services and volunteers, including many impacted primary producers, are outstanding in emergency situations and we need to make sure we are as vigilant in recovery as we are in the face of disaster.
“The last thing people need to worry about at the moment is filling in forms. That is why we have made this a streamlined process with minimal paper work so people who need money, get money with minimal fuss,” Mr Marshall said.
“To receive the grant, farmers need only demonstrate they are primary producers, their property is within the fire zone and demonstrate their property was damaged, by submitting five photographs of the damage – that’s it.”
Mr Marshall said by simplifying the application process, affected primary producers would benefit from an immediate injection of recovery funding.
“Putting money back in people’s pockets as soon as possible will allow affected communities to focus on rebuilding and repairing crucial infrastructure, like fences, treating, euthanising or burying livestock, as well as buying much-needed fodder or re-seeding pasture,” he said.
“This also means that primary producers who may have already accessed up to $15,000 under the scheme can now apply for additional funds, bringing the total available to $75,000.
“The fires have caused significant damage to our region and affected everyone from beef and lamb producers to horticulturists and this support will bring some much needed relief and help put people on the path to recovery.”
The Special Disaster Grant is administered through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) and available to eligible, fire-affected primary producers within Category C declared Local Government Areas (LGAs) since 31 August 2019.
To apply for the Special Disaster Grant visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 678 593 to speak to the RAA. Service NSW Service Centres are able to assist producers with information.
This assistance is provided through a joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement between states and territories and the Commonwealth Government.
For a full list of Category C declared LGAs please visit
https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/disaster-recovery-grants/bushfires