Primary producers affected by bush fires can now apply for a Special Disaster Grant of up to $75,000 to help pay for recovery costs thanks to a joint initiative by the State and Federal Governments.
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Member for Wollondilly, Nathaniel Smith welcomed the announcement by Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro who wanted primary producers affected by fires need support to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
"Our farmers have been facing drought, dust storms and ferocious fires and this money is critical to keep farmers on the land and give them hope for the future," Mr Smith said.
"Emergency services and volunteers, including many impacted primary producers, are outstanding in emergency situations and we need to make sure we are as vigilant in recovery as we are in the face of disaster.
"The last thing people need to worry about at the moment is filling in forms. That is why we have made this a streamlined process with minimal paper work so people who need money, get money with minimal fuss."
Mr Smith also supported the NSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall who wants to simplify the application process so that affected primary producers would benefit from an immediate injection of recovery funding.
"Putting money back in people's pockets as soon as possible will allow affected communities to focus on rebuilding and repairing crucial infrastructure, treating, euthanising or burying livestock, as well as buying much-needed fodder, and for orchardists, replacing netting and trees, knowing that costs will be reimbursed up to $75,000," he said.
"This also means that primary producers who may have already accessed up to $15,000 under the scheme can now apply for additional funds, bringing the total available to $75,000.
"The fires have caused significant damage to our primary producers across the state and affected everyone from beef and lamb producers, horticulturists, dairy farmers, apiarists and oyster growers.
"This support will bring some much needed relief and help put people on the path to recovery."
"This support will bring some much needed relief and help put people on the path to recovery."
The Special Disaster Grant is administered through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) and available to eligible, fire-affected primary producers within Category C declared Local Government Areas (LGAs) since 31 August 2019.
Primary Producers from both the Shires of Wollondilly and Wingecarribee are eligible for that assistance and Mr Smith urged those who have been impacted to seek assistance under this scheme.
To apply for the Special Disaster Grant visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 678 593 to speak to the RAA. Service NSW Service Centres are able to assist producers with information.
This assistance is provided through a joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement between states and territories and the Commonwealth Government.
