Minister for Agriculture, Dugald Saunders, said the funding will provide New South Wales producers with a much-needed boost to the recovery process and will play a crucial role in protecting supply chains.
"Farmers in NSW have been significantly impacted by these devastating floods, and now that waters have subsided and we're seeing the full extent of the damage, we know there is a very long road ahead," Minister Saunders said.
"Not only will this package support our primary producers in the immediate recovery phase, it will support them into the future to ensure they're able to get back on their feet as quickly as possible."
The funding is part of the broader $742 million package announced by the New South Wales and Commonwealth governments, and includes:
- $50 million for Primary Industry Recovery and Resilience Grants, which provide targeted funding for medium to longer-term projects that support supply chain efficiencies and recovery and rebuilding efforts; and
- $100 million for Critical Producer Grants, which provide rapid support for significantly impacted primary producers;
- $35 million for Rural Landholder Grants of up to $25,000 for impacted landholders, who are not eligible under existing support mechanisms.
"We know how devastating these floods have been for our primary producers, who are not just dealing with the significant damage to their businesses, but also to their homes and livelihoods," the Minister said.
"So far, the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) has received 860 applications and approved more than $12 million in support."
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said the scale of the flooding in many communities across New South Wales is unprecedented.
For more information on available support, visit the RAA website. Primary producers are encouraged not to self-assess and should consult with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service or contact RAA by calling 1800 678 593.