The state’s peak farm body has welcomed the announcement of disaster relief support for farmers and communities affected by severe flooding across NSW.

On Tuesday the Albanese and Minns Governments announced it would release disaster relief to farmers affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred as well as the latest flooding and severe weather events in May.  

This disaster relief will provide farmers in 28 affected local government areas with grants of up to $25,000 to support cleanup, repairs and immediate business recovery.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the grants had come as welcome news to farmers devastated by flooding in the state from both events.

“Disaster relief to get our farming families through this time is the right decision, and we thank the government for listening to our communities on this,” Mr Martin said.

“There’s no doubt they’ll need more support to get them through the devastation, but it’s a start, and it’s good to see our governments commit to getting our farmers back on their feet.”  

Mr Martin encouraged flood affected farmers to apply for the support as soon as they were able, with farmers urged to continue to report their flood damage via the official government survey to secure further support for severe damages.

“It’s going to be a long road to recovery, but you don’t have to walk it alone,” Mr Martin said. 

“There is real help available in this disaster, so please don’t hesitate to use it – and keep an eye on our NSW Farmers communications for more information on where to go to access this assistance, as well as other support.” 

Editor’s note: More information, including how to access this disaster assistance, will be made available on this NSW Government webpage in the coming days. 

Recovery grants will be available for primary producers in the local government areas of Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glen Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lake Macquarie, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, Maitland, MidCoast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Richmond Valley, Singleton, Tenterfield, Tweed, Upper Hunter and Walcha.

Media Release: NSW Farmers