Armidale will have access to disaster assistance following a severe tornado event that occurred on Thursday evening.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce passed on his support and concern to residents, and said the tornado caused significant damage to residents, businesses, and infrastructure in the Armidale area.
“This tornado was an extreme weather event that left significant damage in its wake, including to critical infrastructure and homes,” Mr Joyce said.
“Very strong winds brought down power lines, felled trees and destroyed buildings, requiring a significant response from the NSW State Emergency Services, as well as other agencies and organisations.
“The disaster assistance provides really practical assistance that will help Armidale Regional Council, as well as primary producers, small businesses and charities.
“Individuals will also receive support to get back on their feet, including grants to replace essential household contents or repair structural damage to homes.”
Assistance available under the DRFA may include:
- Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
- Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
- Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations
- Freight subsidies for primary producers, and
- Grants to eligible non-profit organisations.
For information on personal hardship and stress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au