The joint media release below was issued by Minister McKenzie & NSW Minister Elliott.

Disaster assistance is now available in the local government area of Wollondilly, New South Wales, following a severe weather event on Saturday 23 October 2021.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said heavy rainfall and large hail caused significant widespread damage across the Wollondilly region.

“The severe weather caused damage to critical infrastructure and residential properties, while very heavy rain and large quantities of hail caused localised flooding,” Minister McKenzie said.

“An extensive clean-up is already underway. The disaster assistance will provide a range of practical assistance measures to help council, individuals, primary producers, small businesses and charities to get back on their feet.”

New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services the Hon David Elliott said the event had required a significant response from the NSW State Emergency Services, who were supported by a range of other agencies and organisations.

“The assistance being announced today will help cover the costs associated with the operational response and repairing damaged essential public assets,” Minister Elliott said.

“Additionally, individuals will 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 distress 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