Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said financial help is on its way for residents in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Glen Innes Severn, Gwydir, Liverpool Plains, Inverell and Walcha who’ve been affected by the storms and floods which started on the 10th of March.

“The Australian Government has activated the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to support those most in need.  These payments are made available to those who have suffered significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home, serious injury or who have lost a family member,” Mr Joyce said.

The AGDRP provides a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children, who have been seriously injured, lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or the immediate family members of a person who has lost their life, as a direct result of the storms and floods.

The DRA provides a short-term income support payment to assist individuals whose income has been affected as a direct result of the storms and floods.  People eligible for DRA can access income assistance for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance.

The Australian Government is monitoring the situation closely and stands ready to provide additional assistance as required.

Mr Joyce said Services Australia Disaster Assistance phone lines are open from 8am to 8pm local time, seven days a week.

“The fastest and easiest way to claim is over the phone by calling 180 22 66,” Mr Joyce said.

The help for individuals and families comes on top of assistance already available to Armidale and Tenterfield LGA residents.

For more information on support available visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster

More information on Australian Government disaster assistance is also available at www.disasterassist.gov.au

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