NSW Government seeks Commonwealth support for Northern NSW flood victims
6th February 2012Premier's media release
NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has today written to Prime Minister Julia Gillard requesting support to implement Category C disaster declarations for North Western NSW.
"After consultation with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher, I have decided that Category C assistance is needed for Moree, Gwydir and Narrabri," Mr O'Farrell said.
"The devastation I saw on Friday across parts of North Western NSW is so severe it's vital all governments provide local communities with the means to recover," Mr O'Farrell said.
Minister Gallacher said the information the NSW Government has been provided with makes it clear that the floods have been devastating particularly for farmers and small business owners.
"On receiving the latest information, the NSW Government has decided to seek the support of the Commonwealth Government to activate vital additional assistance for those worst affected," Mr Gallacher said.
Under Category C of the Commonwealth/State Government funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, eligible farmers and small business owners would be able to apply for cash grants.
Pending Commonwealth Government approval, the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) will administer and process applications for primary producer/small business grants.
The Department of Primary Industries will continue to assess and review damage reports for other Local Government Areas affected by the recent floods.
Farmers and small business owners seeking more information about the kinds of assistance they may be eligible for can contact the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.
NSW Government seeks Commonwealth support for Northern NSW flood victims (PDF 135KB)