Disaster support for Port Stephens, Maitland, and the Snowy Valleys after severe storms

Disaster support for Port Stephens, Maitland, and the Snowy Valleys after severe storms

Published:18 January 2025

Released by:Minister for Emergency Services

The Albanese and Minns Governments are supporting communities in the Maitland, Port Stephens, and Snowy Valleys Local Government Areas (LGAs) following severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall that impacted the regions between January 15 and January 17.

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) include:'

• Support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils and other agencies to help with the costs of cleaning up, keeping the community safe and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

More LGAs may submit assessment forms outlining damage from this event in the coming days and weeks ahead, with the opportunity to expand the proposed Natural Disaster Declaration for this event.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the severe weather system had impacted multiple states and thousands of homes. "The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies and accommodation and ensure councils can start clean up and repairs," Minister McAllister said. "It is still a dynamic situation, and I urge people in affected areas to stay up to date with the latest emergency warnings and follow the advice of emergency services."

"I would like to acknowledge the efforts of first responders and the local councils who are doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances."

"The Australian and NSW governments are working hard to activate support as quickly as possible. The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies, help restore what's been lost, and repair what's been damaged."

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said disaster declarations like these are crucial in unlocking assistance for communities so they can begin cleaning up as quickly as possible. "The NSW Government is committed to helping people and businesses clean up debris and remain safe after the severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall," Minister Dib said.

"There have been a high number of calls to the NSW SES, and I would like to thank our incredible volunteers and emergency responders who have responded to these incidents and provided vital support for the community."

"They have been busy throughout the night and will respond when needed as this wet weather continues. Please continue to watch the weather conditions and follow the advice of emergency services."

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website.