Updated, 3.15pm:
Justice minister Michael Keenan and NSW emergency services minister Troy Grant today announced that recovery grants are now available to assist eligible primary producers in Lismore and Tweed who have been severely affected by the recent north coast floods.
Farmers can apply for up to $10,000 to help with the costs of fencing and damaged or destroyed equipment.
Minister Keenan said assistance is being provided through the Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).
‘Our governments have recognised that primary producers in Lismore and Tweed were significantly impacted by the north coast floods, and have acted swiftly to provide additional assistance to ensure they have the support they need to recover as quickly as possible,’ Mr Keenan said.
‘Importantly, the recovery grants being announced today are on top of the low interest rate loans and freight subsidies that have already been made available to affected farmers.’
Minister Grant said the north coast floods have caused more than $20 million worth of damage to the primary production sector in Tweed and Lismore.
‘Last week I visited primary producers in the region to see the damage first-hand. This additional assistance will help the farmers hardest hit to get their properties back up and running as quickly as possible,’ Mr Grant said.
‘The grants being announced today will help eligible farmers with their recovery by funding clean-up and reinstatement activities, including salvaging crops, replacing pasture, purchasing fodder and repairing damaged equipment and machinery.
‘Further Category C applications for primary producers and small businesses are being prepared and will be submitted to the Commonwealth shortly.’
To apply for a recovery grant, primary producers in Lismore and Tweed should contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit raa.nsw.gov.au.
Further information on disaster assistance is available at disasterassist.gov.au and emergency.nsw.gov.au.
Original report: Federal Page MP Kevin Hogan (Nationals) has announced that primary producers affected by the Lismore flood can now apply for grants of up to $10,000.
‘Many farms were affected by the flood, with lots of fencing and machinery damaged or destroyed,’ he said.
The recovery grants are under the Category C Flood assistance that has already been provided to small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in Lismore.
‘Grants for farmers were the missing piece in helping to rebuild our community.
‘These grants will help our farmers get back on their feet.
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