The Australian and New South Wales Governments are continuing to support the recovery of primary industries in the Parkes electorate through the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program, which is now open for applications.
The Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the floods and storms in February and March had a devastating impact on the agricultural industry.
“The $80 million Industry Recovery Program will directly assist primary producers across the state to get back on track and will also have a flow-on effect to other businesses and communities that rely on these industries to remain viable into the future,” Minister McKenzie said.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the joint Commonwealth-NSW funding includes $50 million in co-contribution grants for primary producers as they rebuild and recover.
“The severe storms and floods earlier this year had a significant impact on farmers across the Parkes electorate, with damage to sheds and fences, as well as the loss of livestock and destruction of crops,” Mr Coulton said.
“The Supply Chain Support grants of between $30,000 and $100,000 are for producers in the agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture industries to help aid their recovery by funding the cost of repairing damaged infrastructure, replacing lost livestock, and accessing vet or pest management advice.
“The Parkes electorate cannot afford to suffer further job losses and economic downturn. This funding will help keep our key regional industries in business.”
A further $30 million will soon be available for projects to support industry-wide recovery, with a focus on building resilience and preparedness for future natural disasters.
The Industry Recovery Program is part of the $790 million NSW Storm and Flood Recovery Package, jointly funded by Commonwealth-NSW Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
For more information and to apply, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/StormFloodRecovery. Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au