The extra assistance includes a new clean-up program and activation of recovery grants.
Visiting the mid-north NSW coast recently, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud, and NSW Deputy Premier, John Barilaro announced the activation of Category C and D assistance through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The clean-up program will assist households, businesses, primary producers and local councils affected by the floods and will include both insured and uninsured properties. The costs will be shared 50:50 between the Australian and NSW governments.
The Australian and NSW Governments have also agreed to provide recovery grants to small businesses of up to $50,000 and grants to primary producers of up to $75,000 where direct damage has occurred, on a cost shared basis.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Australian and NSW Governments were committed to helping communities across the State that have been devastated in the record-breaking floods.
"It's heartbreaking to see the damage to so many communities, especially to those who have barely recovered from the bushfires," Prime Minister Morrison said.
"As the floodwaters start to recede, the difficulties will continue as people begin cleaning out their homes, business owners count the cost of lost equipment and farmers who have lost their livestock."
Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud said the Australian Defence Force personnel, alongside NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW, have already been deployed and that teams are going from house to house, hosing out properties and removing damaged items, as well as sandbagging and clearing debris.
The small business recovery grants are designed to provide short-term targeted assistance for recovery and reinstatement activities, including safety inspections, repairs to premises and internal fittings, and replacement of stock.
The primary producer recovery grants are designed to provide short-term targeted assistance for recovery and reinstatement activities, including salvaging crops and repairs to damaged farm infrastructure (for example, fencing) and equipment.
To speak with a Customer Care specialist about the grants, call Service NSW between 7am and 7pm on 13 77 88. The Contact Centre hours have been extended to include weekends while communities recover.
