A state of natural disaster has been declared for the Parkes Local Government Area following severe weather and flooding experienced in September.
NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said the declaration of a natural disaster was a crucial first step in providing assistance for the area and would open up much-needed assistance for residents affected by the September flooding event.
“It’s vital to support our community during this trying time, so I’m glad to hear that the Parkes council has been added to the Commonwealth-State Disaster Declaration for September,” Mr Farraway said.
“This means that individuals who have had their homes or other household items destroyed or damaged, as well as small business owners and primary producers who have directly been impacted, are all eligible for assistance.
“I encourage individuals, homeowners, small businesses and primary producers impacted by the floods to look into which support might be available to help build back after these floods.”
Assistance available under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for Parkes LGA may include:
- Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);
- Support for 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; and
- Freight subsidies for primary producers.
This announcement comes after a NDD was declared for the Forbes and Cabonne Councils earlier this month.
“The NDD will also unlock assistance for Parkes Council to restore essential public assets such as local roads.”
