Federal assistance for NSW flood victims

SYDNEY (AAP) - June 15 - The federal government will provide financial assistance to communities affected by severe flooding in northern NSW.
The funds will be provided to the NSW government through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
The state government on Wednesday afternoon declared the areas of Bellingen, Clarence Valley, Kempsey and Upper Hunter as natural disaster zones.
More than 1500 people have been told to evacuate their homes in Upper Hunter and mid-north coast regions and some communities have been cut off by rising floodwaters.
Authorities say conditions are expected to worsen.
"The Commonwealth government will continue to monitor the situation and stands ready to provide further assistance to areas affected by this severe weather," Attorney-General Robert McClelland said in a statement.
Affected persons will be eligible for personal hardship and distress grants.
Small business and farmers can access concessional interest rate loans up to $130,000.