Disaster Relief and Recovery

Disaster Relief Grant for individuals

Financial assistance to eligible individuals and families whose homes have been damaged by a natural disaster.

Assistance falls into two categories: 

1. Essential Household Contents Grants to assist with the cost of re-establishing essential household items considered necessary to maintain a basic standard of living.
2. Structural Grants as a contribution toward essential structural repairs to homes for households unable to meet the cost of repairs. The Structural Repair Grants are commonly delivered in the form of either grants to contribute toward essential structural repairs to homes or full rebuilds of property which has been rendered uninhabitable. 

Click here for more information or Phone 13 77 88

Disaster relief loans - Small business

Small businesses who have been directly affected by a declared natural disaster including floods, fires or storm damage, may be eligible for low interest loans of up to $130,000.

This low interest rate loan can help a small business:

• return to its normal level of trading or until the next major income is received within 12 months from the date of disaster
• replace and repair damage caused to your small business and associated improvements not covered by insurance.

Click here for further information.

Disaster Relief Loans for not-for-profits

Voluntary non-profit organisations affected by flooding or storm damage may apply for up to $25,000 in low interest loans.

Click here for information

Disaster Relief Loans for sporting and recreation clubs

A low-interest rate loan of up to $10,000 is available to meet the costs of restoring essential club facilities, equipment or other assets that were damaged or destroyed.

Click here for information

Rural Aid assistance

Rural Aid is here to help farmers throughout the year and this includes in times of national, state or local storms and disasters.

Rural Aid can provide support with confidential counselling, fodder, domestic water, financial assistance and also by providing access to volunteers through The Farm Army.  Register online at www.ruralaid.org.au or call 1300327624

Registered farmers also have access to the counselling intake line - 1300 175 594. This phone line is staffed by a Rural Aid counsellor between 9am and 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday.  Farmers can call to have a chat and the team will work to connect them with an appropriate team member to assist them.  

Stamp Duty Relief for replacement of motor vehicles

May be provided on the replacement of motor vehicles written off due to loss caused by a declared disaster.  Private and commercial vehicle owners who are comprehensively insured and who and a vehicle written off due to damage caused by a declared disaster that occurred in NSW.

Click here for more information

Disaster Customer Care

Service NSW is there to help people and businesses impacted by storms, floods, bushfires and other disasters.

Visit their site by clicking HERE to see what support you might be eligible for.

Flood Recovery Resources

Click here  to find information that can help rural landholders and primary producers.

REWiRE: Regional Small Business Support Program

REWiRE is a fully subsidised service, funded by the Commonwealth Government and created to support rural and regional businesses. If you need a hand understanding your financial position or a plan to get your small business back on track give them a call on 1800 570 655 or visit www.rewireproject.com.au to learn more.

Making insurance claims

It’s important to gather as much information as possible about the claim to ensure you can get your claim paid quickly and smoothly.

Click here to see what steps to take and FAQ

Five phases of disaster recovery

Click here  for information on how to recover from disasters and make your business more resilient - from the moment disaster hits to the days, weeks and months ahead.

What to do if your business is in financial hardship

Financial hardship occurs when you’re unable to meet your existing financial obligations for a period of time. It may be caused by any number of factors, including major natural disasters and unforeseen weather events.

Click here to see what steps to take

Where can I find mental health support that understands small business?

The impact of disasters, such as storms and floods, can take its toll on small business owners. Click here to find out what mental health support is available.

Mental health support after a flood

Natural disasters, cleaning up and recovery can take a toll on your mental health and wellbeing. It’s vital that you – and the people around you – seek appropriate support if required.

It’s important to seek mental health and wellbeing support if you need it.

For support options, click here or call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

Disaster Preparation Checklists 

The cost and the time it takes for small and family businesses to get back to business after a natural disaster is reduced if you are prepared.  

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has published a useful 9-point checklist to help small businesses with disaster preparation. 

Can't find something that suits your circumstances?

Head to RDA Murray for an additional list of support and resources.

Click here to find out more. 

Council’s Economic Development Team is here to help

Please reach out if we can assist in any way.

By phone: 1300 087 004

By email: admin@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au (please attention email to Economic Development Team)