NSW communities to share in $400m flood relief funding

Business operators and landowners hit by the once-in-a-century disaster will be able to access millions in recovery funding.

NSW businesses wiped out by the recent floods will be given grants to keep workers in jobs, while properties, roads and riverbanks will be rebuilt under a $400m recovery plan.

The federal government will on Tuesday announce a $200m funding package for the 70 NSW local government areas devastated by the floods earlier this year, on top of a further $200m in infrastructure funding from the state government.

Business operators and landowners in regions including Armidale, Ballina, Bathurst, Byron, the Central Coast, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Penrith and Parramatta City will all be able to access the recovery cash through various grants.

Flooded houses near Windsor, NSW, seen from the air in March. Picture: Dylan Coker

The federal funding includes $79.8m for agriculture, horticulture and commercial fishing businesses to recover and retain jobs while they rebuild, as well as $52.5m for councils to repair community infrastructure such as roads, parks and other public amenities.

There will also be $18.5m worth of $10,000 grants to help rural landholders clean up areas not covered by insurance, $18.5m to repair riverbanks and $14.1m for mental health programs to support vulnerable people in areas heavily affected by floods.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the cash would both help NSW recover as well as make infrastructure more resilient in future floods.

“We’re focused on enabling industry recovery and job retention, helping to rebuild community infrastructure, delivering a range of projects to safeguard mental health and community wellbeing, and ensuring impacted regions have resources that they need to bounce back,” he said.

Flooded houses in Sackville on the Hawkesbury River. Picture: Dylan Coker

Emergency Management Minister Bridget McKenzie said the funds would help rural businesses recover long term.

“We have listened to farmers and producers, too, and included more than $25 million to provide grants for rural landholders who do not qualify for the existing supports, as well as funding for environmental recovery initiatives, including riverbank restoration.”

NSW deputy premier John Barilaro said the 50/50 joint funded package would further boost regional areas already hurting from the drought and fires.

“We cannot underestimate the mental health and wellbeing of those impacted by these disasters and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to provide extensive support to assist communities hardest hit,” he said.