Photo caption: NSW SES have been on the ground supporting the Carinda community following the severe thunderstorm that ripped through town. Photo courtesy of NSW SES
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has today welcomed news that the Australian and New South Wales Governments will provide the Walgett Local Government Area with crucial financial support, following a severe thunderstorm that hit the township of Carinda recently.
Assistance will be provided to Walgett Shire Council to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Support is also available for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and replacing essential household contents, as well as for low income, uninsured eligible residents to replace damaged essential household items or undertake repairs to return their house to a safe, habitable standard.
Assistance measures include:
- personal hardship and distress assistance
- personal and financial counselling
- counter disaster operations
- reconstruction of essential public assets
- interest rate subsidy to small businesses and primary producers who have sustained direct damage
- freight subsidies for primary producers.
Mr Coulton said he’s pleased that the Carinda community will be able to access much-needed support to assist with the clean-up from the violent storm that occurred on Sunday 17 November.
“This storm did a significant amount of damage, causing widespread destruction to the small town of Carinda in the Walgett Shire,” Mr Coulton said.
“Multiple buildings were destroyed or damaged, with rooves blown off and power lines down.
“It’s going to take a long time for residents to recover from this, so I know this support will be welcomed.”
The NSW Reconstruction Authority is working closely with Walgett Shire Council, NSW SES and other recovery partners to provide assistance on the ground.
A Helpline has been set up to support residents in their recovery. People can call (02) 9212 9311 during business hours on weekdays and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays for support.
A Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) is now open at the Carinda Footy Ground from 10am to 4pm until Thursday 28 November. Impacted residents are encouraged to attend the RAP to access household and mental health support as well as legal and insurance advice.
Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.
