Flood ravaged communities across New South Wales will get access to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal government grants and funding to help them recover from the devastation.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the $434.7 million response on Thursday afternoon. The funds will be .
Seventeen local government areas (LGA) across the state have been declared as disaster areas.
“We will be there to help farmers, small businesses and every community in New South Wales to get back on their feet as soon as possible when flood waters recede,” Mr Morrison said.
The federal government has also said it stands ready to provide similar financial help to victims of the flood disaster in Queensland, upon the state government's request.
"We are working with Queensland on what support will be made available under Category D funding, ensuring communities receive the funding they require to rebuild," Mr Morrison said.
It comes as residents in parts of that state have been evacuated as weather conditions - described as "very dangerous and potentially life threatening" by authorities - continue to smash the south-east.
The NSW government response will see grants of $75,000 for primary producers and up to $50,000 for small businesses and not-for-profit groups delivered through state government agencies.
The financial support sought by primary producers is expected to reach $111.5 million, while for small businesses this is forecast to reach $89.7 million.
The commitment is also in addition to $1,000 disaster relief payment available to flood victims and a 13-week income replacement for employees and small businesses.
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet earlier told reporters many people had been returning to “heartbreaking scenes” but support for them would be there.
“They are large grants that will get much-needed funds to people quickly to provide some relief and assistance,” he later said.
“We know these supports will have an immediate positive effect.” The funding announcement also includes $210 million to assist affected communities with the clean-up and removal of debris.
The federal government will also provide $1 million in grants to impacted councils and $6.5 million to provide Community Recovery Officers to support areas impacted.
The 17 LGAs declared disaster areas in NSW include Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Glen Innes Severn, Hornsby, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca, Port Macquarie/Hastings, Richmond, Tenterfield, The Hills and Tweed.
