Let’s start off by stating the obvious; having your house flooded sucks. Ruined carpets, soaked treasures, and fearing for your life shouldn’t be someone’s morning. This is why, when it floods, it’s vital that our leaders step in swiftly, ready to spend some cash.
During NSW’s latest flood crisis, both the Federal Government and the NSW Government announced that they’re collaborating, stepping up, and providing some support to the people in need.
What Support Are These Governments Providing?
In a joint press conference on July 6, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, “This morning, I can announce that the Australian Government has approved our Disaster Recovery Payments to kick in from two o’clock tomorrow for the 23 local government areas.”
These payments will consist of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children. Fortunately, these aren’t the only reimbursements that Albanese announced. An allowance will be given to eligible employees and sole traders that have been affected by the floods, which can last up to 13 weeks. After discussing said allowance, Albanese noted, “We’ve also made sure that equivalent financial assistance will be available to eligible New Zealand citizens.”
Which Places Are Eligible?
Due to the way these payments were set up, only folks in specific regions can apply for them. As of July 12, there are 37 local government areas that are eligible for this money. They are as follows:
- Bayside
- Blacktown
- Blue Mountains
- Camden
- Campbelltown
- Canterbury Bankstown
- Central Coast
- Cessnock
- Cumberland
- Dungog
- Fairfield
- Georges River
- Hawkesbury
- Hornsby
- Kiama
- Lake Macquarie
- Lithgow
- Liverpool
- Maitland
- Mid-Coast
- Muswellbrook
- Nambucca Heads
- Newcastle
- Northern Beaches
- Penrith
- Port Stephens
- Randwick
- Shellharbour
- Shoalhaven
- Singleton
- Sutherland
- The Hills
- Upper Lachlan
- Warren
- Wingecarribee
- Wollondilly
- Wollongong
Related: When Will the Rain Stop? The NSW Catastrophe | 2022
Related: How to Help Flood Victims NSW: Where to Donate So the Money Gets to Them
Is There Any Other Support Out There?
If you require one of these payments, then head over to the National Recovery and Resiliency Agency. Cause that’s where all the applications will be listed. Furthermore, there are some additional programs on this website, which include:
- Assistance for Individuals – This scheme will help folks get food, clothing, and medical supplies. It’ll also support them in the act of making fixes to their homes.
- Storm and Flood Clean-up Package – This service is for households, businesses, farmers, and local councils. It’ll help them repair flood-damaged areas.
- Temporary Housing Support Package – This program will give individuals and families access to temporary accommodation and dwellings, as well as financial support.
- Concessional Interest Rate Loans – These interest rate reductions are for flood and weather-affected farmers, small businesses, and nonprofits.
Now, when it comes to these schemes, the Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, has said that they are there for anyone who needs one. During an interview with News Breakfast, the senator asserted that this disaster assistance is “uncapped” and “demand-driven.” Watt additionally said that this was just the first round of funding.
Learn more about flooding and what do in such a crisis here:
Lismore Flood Victims Are On the Frontline of Climate Change
How to Help People Who Have Been Affected by the Floods
Housing Crisis in Lismore, Byron and Other Northern Rivers Suburbs, Explained
How to Get Rid of Mould on Clothes, Furniture and Walls
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