Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has today welcomed news that the Australian and NSW State Governments will provide Far West NSW with crucial financial support, following a severe storm which rolled through the region on 17 October.
Through jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), communities in the Broken Hill City and Central Darling Shire council areas and the Unincorporated Far West will be eligible for financial support to assist with clean up and restoration of critical infrastructure.
As part of DRFA, the Australian Government may fund up to 75% of the government assistance available to individuals and communities. The relevant state or territory government then decides which areas get assistance and the type of assistance available.
DRFA assistance for this disaster includes support:
- For impacted local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets; and,
- To ensure access to essential power for homes and continuation of essential services such as schools, public hospitals and Council operations during this critical period.
“Residents of Far West NSW have been dealt a double whammy this week,” Mr Coulton said. “Not only has the region had to deal with extensive clean up, but ongoing interruptions to electricity have caused a chaotic situation.”
Mr Coulton said he recognised the impact of ongoing power interruptions on households, local businesses and other essential services.
“Local residents have reported it was taking over two hours to get fuel from the only operating service station in Broken Hill,” he said.
“I understand Transgrid and Essential Energy are working closely to try and restore power throughout the Far West later this evening.
“It’s a big job and I know many agencies are working tirelessly to restore normality to the Far West,” Mr Coulton said.
“I commend the residents of Far West NSW for their patience during this challenging situation.”
He said he encourages all impacted residents to stay up to date on available assistance measures by visiting https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/emergencies-and-natural-disasters.
More information on Australian Government disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au
