Following the extensive flooding of many parts of the Hastings, Wauchope, Camden Haven, Moorland, Coopernook and Harrington areas, State and Federal disaster assistance is now available, Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer said today.
The Port Macquarie-Hastings and Mid Coast Council Local Government Areas are two of 16 LGAs declared national disaster areas which triggers the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments and the Disaster Recovery Allowance, as well as the NSW Disaster Relief Grants for eligible residents.
Mr Dwyer is encouraging affected residents to apply for assistance which includes payments of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children. Residents must apply via Services Australia website
www.servicesaustralia.gov.au. Applications open at 2pm on Monday 26th May 2025
“Assistance is also available from the NSW Government for grants of up to $18,000 to individuals whose homes have been damaged and who meet hardship criteria. To find out further details please call Service NSW on 137788 or
www.service.nsw.gov.au.
“Primary producers directly affected by the declared natural disaster may be eligible for a low interest loan of up to $130,000 to support recovery.
“The concessional loans have a two-year interest and repayment free period and may be used for essential working capital for up to 12 months from the date of the disaster, to continue farming operations until normal income resumes and for the replacement and repair of property damaged as a result of the natural disaster. To find out further information, please go to:
www.raa.nsw.gov.au.
“Residents in the areas hardest hit by the flooding event can dispose of flood affected items at landfill sites without having to pay the waste levy fee for the next three months,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Judging by what I witnessed over the past few days as I travelled around the Port Macquarie electorate to inspect the flood damage and assist where I could, waiving the waste levy fee will save people so much money at a time where families already struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.
“If anyone needs further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office on 65840977,” Mr Dwyer said.
Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977
