Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has welcomed news disaster assistance from the NSW Government has been extended to Armidale Regional Council following the destructive snowstorm on 2 August.
The weather event caused significant and widespread damage to infrastructure and services across the Northern Tablelands.
Following the event, Mr Moylan made urgent appeals to Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib requesting financial support for those affected by the storms.
Uralla Shire Council and Walcha Council were included in the first announcement of eligible Local Government Areas while Armidale Regional Council’s damage took longer to assess with such a large area to cover.
“Armidale has now been declared eligible for disaster assistance which will greatly assist council with the cost of the clean up,” Mr Moylan said.
“The disaster declaration also means low-income, uninsured residents can replace essential household items and ensure their homes can be restored to a habitable condition.
“Our region’s primary producers, small businesses, sporting clubs and not-for-profit organisations can also apply for concessional interest rate loans of up to $130,000 while primary producers also can receive freight subsidies of up to $15,000 for livestock and fodder.
“Although it is disappointing the government has not taken the step of offering grants to primary producers, businesses and community groups, it is reassuring there is some sort of support available.”
For more information and how to apply, visit www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery/storm-recovery-updates/grants-payments-and-financial-support or call Service NSW on 137788.
Media Release: Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan
