A state of natural disaster has been declared for the Muswellbrook Local Government Areas following the September flood event which encompasses the flooding that has occurred since 14th September and has continued into this week.
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said the natural disaster declaration was an important first step in offering support for local communities under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which are jointly funded by the NSW Government and Commonwealth Government.
“This means assistance is available to vulnerable people whose homes or essential household items have been destroyed or damaged, and for business owners and primary producers who have suffered direct damage,” Mr Layzell said.
“Assistance is also available to Muswellbrook Shire Council to restore essential public assets like local roads.
“I am urging any local homeowner, business owner or primary producer that suffered direct damage from the flooding event to investigate what support might be available to them”.
Assistance available under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for Muswellbrook shire may include:
- Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);
- Support for local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;
- Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; and
- Freight subsidies for primary producers.
For more information, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/disaster-recovery/natural-disaster-declarations and www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods.
PHOTO CAPTION: The Hunter River at Bowmans Crossing, Jerry Plains still running high and fast following this week’s rain.
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