Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is pleased that further assistance is being provided for flood-affected councils and small businesses in the Parkes electorate.

Flood-affected councils in the Parkes electorate will benefit from an additional $1 million in funding to assist with their recovery, as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is pleased that Local Government Recovery Grants of $1 million will be provided to the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Parkes electorate that have been disaster declared as a result of recent flooding.

This includes the Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Central Darling, Cobar, Coonamble, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Lachlan, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Narromine, Unincorporated Area, Walgett, Warren and Warrumbungle LGAs.

“Each of these local councils have a mammoth task ahead of them, particularly when it comes to repairing the huge number of roads damaged by flooding,” Mr Coulton said.

“I have been working closely with these flood-affected councils, and I know this funding will go some way in helping their communities recover.

“This is an appropriate response to calls from myself and others for action in areas hit by the worst of these floods, many of which lie within the Parkes electorate.

“There’s still plenty of work to do though, and I will continue to advocate for assistance to be delivered to those who need it most.”

Recovery grants of up to $50,000 are also now available for small businesses and not-for-profits affected by ongoing flooding in the Parkes electorate.

“Our small businesses are crucial to the health of our towns, so I am very glad to see that support is being specifically extended to them,” Mr Coulton said.

Additionally, Primary Producer Recovery Grants have been increased from $25,000 to $75,000 for eligible primary producers, providing much-needed assistance for flood-affected farmers. Eligible impacted landholders will also be able to access Rural Landholders Grants of up to $10,000, helping them to recover from flood damage to their properties.

Current assistance available to eligible residents which has already been announced includes the following:

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP): a one-off payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child for flood-impacted people in the Local Government Areas of Dubbo, Gunnedah, Moree Plains, Narrabri and Walgett. Claims can be lodged until 16 May 2023 through Services Australia.

The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA): providing income support fortnightly for up to 13 weeks for eligible people who can demonstrate that they have experienced a loss of income as a result of flooding within eligible LGAs. Claims can be lodged until 18 May 2023 through Services Australia.

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA): include a range of financial assistance for areas declared a natural disaster from 14 September onwards. For details on available recovery assistance, visit the Resilience NSW and Service NSW websites.

To replace passports lost or damaged in natural disaster areas free of charge, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

For further information on disaster assistance please contact the Australian Government Information Hotline on 180 22 66 or visit the Disaster Assist website: www.disasterassist.gov.au.