Joint media release with the Hon Jihad Dib MP
Disaster assistance is now available in the Walgett Shire Local Government Area (LGA) following severe bushfires from 14 November 2023.
The assistance measures are being provided by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Support includes:
- Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation or small cash payments to purchase essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
- Grants for eligible residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
- Grants for eligible residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
- 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, sporting and recreation clubs, and non-profit organisations to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
- Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the bushfire caused significant damage across the region.
“This fast-moving bushfire burned more than 20,000 hectares within the Narran Lake Nature Reserve, threatening lives, properties and businesses,” Minister Watt said.
“I want to thank those who have worked hard to get this fire under control and I want to assure those whose lives have been disrupted that we will support them through their recovery.
“The NSW Government is continuing to assess the damage and fully understand the impact of this disaster, and the Albanese Government stands ready to respond to any requests for assistance.”
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said bushfire impacted community members, landowners, and primary producers will be supported in their clean-up and recovery from bushfire.
“We are continuing to assess the impacts of this fire event as quickly as possible, with disaster declarations like these the crucial first step in unlocking assistance for those in need,” Minister Dib said.
For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit the ServiceNSW website.
To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority website.
Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website.
