17.6 C
Byron Shire
March 29, 2024

Lismore and Tweed now qualify for Category C disaster funds

Latest News

Resilient Lismore’s ‘Repair to Return’ funding

On the eve of the second anniversary of the second devastating flood in 2022, Resilient Lismore has welcomed the finalisation of its funding deed with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, which will enable the continuation of its ‘Repair to Return’ program.

Other News

Superbowls

Superbowls is your go-to spot for a burst of woodfired flavour! Nestled in Byron Arts and Industry Estate, the...

New report highlights gaps in rural and remote health

The second annual Royal Flying Doctor Service ‘Best for the Bush, Rural and remote Health Base Line’ report has just been released. Presenting the latest data on the health of rural and remote Australians and evidence on service gaps, it identifies issues in urgent need of attention from service providers, funders, partners and policy makers.

Mandy Nolan’s Soapbox: Why Being Seen is Beautiful

There is something profound about being seen. Being accepted and loved for exactly who you are. It’s life changing. It’s simple. It’s transformative. But some people don’t get to experience this. Nearly half of transgender Australians have attempted suicide.That data tells the very real impact of discrimination, stigma and lack of access to gender-affirming surgery. I write this as a woman who was born a woman, who identifies as a woman. I’ll admit, that even in that gender role, that fits within the societal binary, I’ve had my own challenges.

Biz confidence up, says Business NSW

The state's peak body for business says confidence in the sector has increased but cost of living pressures continue to impact customer spending.

Workshop in Creative Writing For Beginners

Have you always felt like you have a novel in you, but don’t know where to start? Or have...

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Businesses in Lismore and Tweed local government areas are now eligible for Category C Disaster fundings. (photo Darren Coyne)
Businesses in Lismore and Tweed local government areas are now eligible for Category C Disaster fundings. (photo Darren Coyne)

Lismore and Tweed businesses and non-profit organisations trying to recover from recent flooding will now have access to ‘Category C’ Disaster funding from the Federal Government.

They can apply for grants of up to $15,000 and the funding is available for businesses in Lismore CBD, North Lismore, South Lismore, Girards Hill  and parts of East Lismore, as well as the Tweed local government area.

The Category C assistance will be provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) to affected communities within the Lismore and Tweed local government areas.

Page MP Kevin Hogan welcomed the funding announcement, saying it would be essential to rebuilding Lismore’s small business community.

‘I think it is really important psychologically for the confidence of our town and, practically it will be a real boost for the local economy,’ Mr Hogan said.

Mr Hogan has been working with Lismore City Council and the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to ensure the application was detailed enough for it to be fast-tracked.

‘Our application has been exceptionally thorough and well put together,’ he said.

‘To make these grants happen quickly meant we had to give a good evaluation of the data and what was going on. That is why it has taken a few days.’

Lismore MP Thomas George said Category C funding  was on top of assistance that has already been announced.

‘Small businesses are the life blood of regional communities like Lismore, so it’s vital that we give them a helping hand,’ he said.

‘We sent in Disaster Assessment Teams as soon as we could and carried out the necessary appraisal to ensure those who have lost so much have the support they need to rebuild their livelihood.’

Today’s announced assistance was in addition to the assistance already provided under the joint Commonwealth-State NDRRA, which was announced on 31 March, including:

  • Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged
  • Support for affected 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
    Freight subsidies for primary producers
  • Grants to non-profit organisations
  • To apply for a recovery grant, small businesses in the local government areas above can contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or by visiting raa.nsw.gov.au.

Meanwhile, the Diocese of Lismore with support from Lismore City Council is offering the delivery of single, double or queen mattresses to flood-affected residents across the Northern Rivers.

Anyone eligible should phone 66 19 10 95 or send an email to [email protected] leaving your name, address, phone number and size (single, double, queen) of mattress. The church will respond to your request in the next few days.

Members of the community can also donate to help assist those who have lost their mattresses by visiting www.dioceseoflismorefloodappeal.org

 


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Editorial – Joyous propaganda! 

The NSW Labor government marked its one year in office this week with a jubilant statement of achievements issued from Macquarie Street HQ.

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region.