Natural disaster assistance for storm affected producers

18 Dec 2020

Farmers affected by storms which hit Cabonne and Oberon LGA earlier this year can now apply for Agricultural Natural Disaster Assistance through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.

NSW Rural Assistance Authority CEO Sean O’Connell said properties in Central West regions suffered significant damage after a series of severe storms from 18 August 2020 onwards.

“Recovery after a natural disaster is a slow process and it often takes time to realise the full extent of the damage, particularly when many people have also been finding their way out of severe drought,” Mr O’Connell said.

“This round of recovery assistance is due to close on 12 May 2021, so I encourage anyone who has been affected by these storms to consider making an application.”

Mr O’Connell said primary producers affected by the storms are eligible for recovery measures including:

  • Concessional interest rate loans for primary producers and small businesses up to a maximum of $130,000, with interest rates currently set at 0.45%
  • Concessional interest rate loans for non-profit organisations up to a maximum of $25,000, with interest rates currently set at 0.45%
  • Transport subsidies for primary producers of up to 50% of the total freight cost to a maximum of $15,000 per farm enterprise, per financial year.

"These measures will help to ensure those primary producers have some financial relief to assist with restoration costs not covered by insurance in the aftermath of the severe storm event,” Mr O’Connell said.

The Natural Disaster Assistance is administered through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) and available to eligible, storm-affected primary producers in Cabonne and Oberon LGAs.

Apply for the Natural Disaster Assistance online at www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 678 593 to speak to the RAA.

Applications close on 12 May 2021.

Media contact: (02) 6391 3686