Grants of $75,000 are now available for primary producers and $50,000 for small businesses in a further four bushfire-affected local government areas in the New England.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said grants eligibility had been widened to include Gwydir, Tamworth, Upper Hunter and Uralla council areas.

“The new measures will deliver even greater assistance to more households across the New England,” Mr Joyce said.

“Just as we’re doing in terms of drought support, we will continue to reassess eligibility for areas impacted by bushfire to assist people with clean up and recovery efforts from repairing fencing to addressing cash flow pressures.”

Recovery grants are also in Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, Tenterfield and Walcha local government areas.

“I cannot stress enough, people should contact the Bushfire Customer Care service if they live in one of these areas and have been directly affected by bushfire,” he said.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said up to an additional $23.05 million had been made available to extend the community recovery assistance program under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“Getting back to business is one of the best ways to recover,” Minister Littleproud said.

“This will make sure businesses can open and people are back to work sooner.”

For more information or to make a claim, contact the Bushfire Customer Care service on 13 77 88, or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au

(ENDS)