More time and wider eligibility has been given to primary producers impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires to apply for the $75,000 Special Disaster Grant. Small businesses have also been given more time to request support, with timeframes extended for small business bushfire recovery grants and loans.
Hawkesbury City Council is encouraging bushfire-impacted primary producers and small businesses to reach out and contact the Rural Assistance Authority via www.raa.nsw.gov.au to see if they are eligible rather than self-assess.
The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Barry Calvert welcomed the changes and the decision to extend the application timeframes to 15 December 2020.
“The time extension recognises that, while these grants have been made available, many primary producers have experienced drought, bushfires and now COVID-19, and so farmers and small businesses need more time to make a claim,” Mayor Calvert said.
“This decision highlights the understanding by Federal and State agencies that the recovery journey is different for everyone and some may not have progressed on their journey as far as others.
“The $75,000 Special Disaster Grant has been critical in keeping farmers on the land and supporting local regional economies, which is why it’s important every eligible farmer makes the most it, so please contact a support officer at the Rural Assistance Authority or contact Hawkesbury City Council.”
