ID :
88529
Mon, 11/09/2009 - 00:06
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/88529
The shortlink copeid
NSW flood victims to get federal funds
NSW flood victims to get federal funds
The federal government will provide emergency grants and loans to those affected by
recent flooding on the NSW mid-north coast.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland on Sunday said the money would be given to the
NSW government to distribute among the natural disaster declared areas of Coffs
Harbour, Bellingen, Kempsey and Nambucca.
The funds will help restore essential public infrastructure and pay for relief
operations.
Mr McClelland said personal hardship and distress grants would also be available to
low-income earners whose homes had been damaged by the flood waters.
Voluntary, non-profit organisations can apply for concessional loans of up to
$25,000 to get back on their feet and small businesses and primary producers are
eligible for similar advances of up to $130,000.
Road and rail freight subsidies of up to $15,000 will assist primary producers
continue to move livestock and fodder.
Mr McClelland said the assistance may be extended to other local government areas
after a more detailed assessment of damage is conducted.
Emergency services are helping residents on the NSW mid-north coast mop up.
Almost 5,000 residents were isolated in areas including the towns of Bellingen,
Bowraville, and on the upper Bellinger River and the upper Kalang Rivers following
torrential rain in the 48 hours to early Saturday morning (AEDT).
On Sunday morning, the Bellinger, Hastings and Nambucca rivers were below minor
flood levels, State Emergency Service (SES) spokesman Steve Delaney said.
The Orara River, northwest of Coffs Harbour, is still above minor flood levels and
is expected to peak at Coutts Crossing on Sunday afternoon.
About 200 residents in the area remain cut off, Mr Delaney said.
"They're becoming fairly experienced in sitting out floods, so most of them would
have realised it was coming and just had the extra loaf of bread and carton of milk
or whatever," he told AAP.
SES crews were now monitoring the situation.
"There's no danger out there - now it's just a matter of our volunteers throughout
the region just supporting their communities, ensuring that they've got what they
need.
"And if they need a hand with any of the cleaning up or getting out if they're still
isolated, we're looking after them that way."
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting showers and isolated thunderstorms for the
region on Sunday afternoon.
The federal government will provide emergency grants and loans to those affected by
recent flooding on the NSW mid-north coast.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland on Sunday said the money would be given to the
NSW government to distribute among the natural disaster declared areas of Coffs
Harbour, Bellingen, Kempsey and Nambucca.
The funds will help restore essential public infrastructure and pay for relief
operations.
Mr McClelland said personal hardship and distress grants would also be available to
low-income earners whose homes had been damaged by the flood waters.
Voluntary, non-profit organisations can apply for concessional loans of up to
$25,000 to get back on their feet and small businesses and primary producers are
eligible for similar advances of up to $130,000.
Road and rail freight subsidies of up to $15,000 will assist primary producers
continue to move livestock and fodder.
Mr McClelland said the assistance may be extended to other local government areas
after a more detailed assessment of damage is conducted.
Emergency services are helping residents on the NSW mid-north coast mop up.
Almost 5,000 residents were isolated in areas including the towns of Bellingen,
Bowraville, and on the upper Bellinger River and the upper Kalang Rivers following
torrential rain in the 48 hours to early Saturday morning (AEDT).
On Sunday morning, the Bellinger, Hastings and Nambucca rivers were below minor
flood levels, State Emergency Service (SES) spokesman Steve Delaney said.
The Orara River, northwest of Coffs Harbour, is still above minor flood levels and
is expected to peak at Coutts Crossing on Sunday afternoon.
About 200 residents in the area remain cut off, Mr Delaney said.
"They're becoming fairly experienced in sitting out floods, so most of them would
have realised it was coming and just had the extra loaf of bread and carton of milk
or whatever," he told AAP.
SES crews were now monitoring the situation.
"There's no danger out there - now it's just a matter of our volunteers throughout
the region just supporting their communities, ensuring that they've got what they
need.
"And if they need a hand with any of the cleaning up or getting out if they're still
isolated, we're looking after them that way."
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting showers and isolated thunderstorms for the
region on Sunday afternoon.
