FLOOD GRANTS EXTENSION TO SUPPORT NSW PRIMARY PRODUCERS

Minister for Justice, Michael Keenan and the New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant today announced that recovery grants have been extended to primary producers, in specific industries, who were affected by the North Coast Floods from 28 March 2017.

Minister Keenan said the assistance is being provided under Category C of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

"The Commonwealth and New South Wales governments have continued to work together to assess the impact of floods to ensure that flood-affected primary producers can access essential recovery assistance," Mr Keenan said.

"Today's announcement extends recovery grants to eligible primary producers in specific industry sectors in Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle and Richmond Valley."

Mr Grant said funding of up to $10,000 is available for eligible macadamia and sugarcane growers in Ballina and Clarence Valley, dairy producers in Byron, Kyogle and Richmond Valley, and vegetable growers in Byron and Kyogle. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for eligible soybean growers in Clarence Valley.

"Primary producers in the dairy, macadamia, sugar cane, soybean and vegetable industries are able to apply for this grant," Mr Grant said.

"Farmers can use the grant to help reduce their clean-up and reinstatement costs, including removing flood related debris, replacing pastures and repairing damaged equipment and machinery."

"As most primary producers would have incurred these expenses already, eligible applicants will find the grant provides a useful reimbursement after the devastation from the floods earlier this year."

To apply for a recovery grant, flood affected primary producers should contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit raa.nsw.gov.au<http://raa.nsw.gov.au>.

This assistance is in addition to a range of assistance that is already available under the NDRRA to help flood-affected individuals, small businesses, primary producers, and local councils with their recovery.

Further information on disaster assistance is available at disasterassist.gov.au<http://disasterassist.gov.au> and emergency.nsw.gov.au<http://emergency.nsw.gov.au>.