CommenT
16
with MICHELLE ROWLAND
ISSUE 17 | August 2022
GOVT ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
Funding directed to those in need MICHELLE ROWLAND
F
OR too many households in Northwest Sydney, the recent July flooding in our region was not the first, nor second flooding event of the year – it was the third time homes were damaged, livestock was lost and lives disrupted. But as we do here in Western Sydney, we came together to lend a hand and help each other out; from the Blacktown and Hawkesbury SES Units rescuing families and livestock, to the Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre providing important information and refuge for the local community. As always, it was a community effort to stay safe but this time, the Federal Government acted swiftly alongside the NSW Government to respond to flood victims Recently, the NSW and Federal Government announced funding for our flood victims. This funding is directed to go towards grants for primary producers, small businesses, not-for-profit organisations and councils, clean-up efforts and expanding the property assessment program in disaster-declared areas. By mid-July, almost 528,000 people affected by the severe storms and flooding in New South Wales have already received more than $436M in Australian Government disaster assistance.
Recent flooding in Western Sydney.
Just last week, the Federal and State Governments announced additional disaster recovery funding for NSW flood victims. Businesses and households across 42 Local Government Areas (LGA) in New South Wales, including the Blacktown LGA, are now eligible to access additional rental support payments and rural landholder grants. The additional rental support provided by the Federal Government provides a contribution towards 16 weeks of rental
support to eligible households to pay for commercial or private accommodation if they have had to evacuate their residential property. People in our electorate can also claim the rural landholder grants of up to $25,000 if they have experienced losses and damage beyond the vicinity of their residential dwelling. This fast, significant funding commitment was one that acknowledged the experiences of our electorate and beyond during this extremely challenging time.
And it is certainly a response that makes clear how the Albanese Government cares for Australians. If you would like more information on these grants, please don’t hesitate to contact my office, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit the National Recovery and Resilience Agency’s website at www. recovery.gov.au. Michelle Rowland is Minister for Communications Federal Member for Greenway. Visit: www. michellerowland.com.au
