Next phase of financial support announced for flooding victims in NSW and QLD

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services affected by the recent catastrophic flooding disaster in northern NSW and Queensland will benefit from further financial support announced yesterday by the Federal Government. 

 

The Richmond Valley, Lismore and Clarence Valley local government areas (LGAs) will be prioritised as they are the highest impacted areas most in need of additional support. 

 

“The sheer scale and impact to these areas in northern NSW highlights the need for extra support right now,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. 

 

This next phase of support includes but is not limited to:

 

• Two additional weekly disaster payments for the catastrophe zones in the Lismore, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley LGAs, automatically paid for those who have already claimed and received the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, at the current rate of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child. These payments will be made from 15 and 22 March. The NRRA will also undertake assessment of possible additional LGAs that also meet the catastrophic impact assessment.

• Approximately $6.9 million in support payments of $10,000 to assist early childhood education and care (ECEC) services affected by the floods where they have been closed for more than seven days. More severely impacted services will also be able to apply for Community Child Care Fund Special Circumstances grants.

• $10 million to support the mental health of school-aged children in the Northern Rivers region affected by the recent flood event under the ‘Resilient Kids’ program.

• $800,000 to extend the Regional Small Business Support Program to include small businesses impacted by the recent flood event in NSW and QLD for two RFCS regions, with a six-month extension until 31 December 2022, as well as free and independent case managed financial counselling through the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

• $25 million for emergency relief, food relief and financial counselling services.

 

The Prime Minister announced that he intends to recommend to the Governor-General to make a National Emergency Declaration covering this severe weather and flooding event to ensure that “all our emergency powers are available and that we cut through any red tape we might face in delivering services and support on the ground”. 

 

Resilience NSW and NSW Regional Recovery Coordinator Deputy Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, as well as by the Queensland Government and Major General Jake Ellwood will work alongside the Federal National Recovery and Resilience Agency (NRRA) to identify the priorities for the longer-term recovery under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

 

“We’ll work closely with the NSW and Queensland Governments to deliver further funding. It’s crises like this that the Emergency Response Fund was established to help support and it will help as part of the initiatives we deliver so communities across NSW and Queensland get back on their feet,” the Prime Minister said in closing.

 

People in NSW requiring assistance are urged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or online at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods.

 

For more information on grants for primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations, phone the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946 or visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au.