Flood recovery assistance

We understand our community is facing a very challenging time following the recent flood event. Please see below some information and links to support (including financial support for individuals and businesses), which may be of assistance.

We recommend you register with Service NSW, by calling 13 77 88 and they can add you to a database to receive updated information, as funding programs become available.

Farmers are also encouraged to contact the NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service who can guide you through the application process for any available funding or support: 1800 319 458 or www.rfcsnsw.com.au


 Murray River Council - Business Impact Survey - 2022 Flood

Council is requesting all businesses affected in any way by the current flood event to please complete this survey. The information gathered in this survey will be instrumental in our work to advocate to Government for adequate financial support to help our business community recover from the significant effects of the flood.

And...just because your toes didn’t get wet, doesn’t mean we don't want to hear from you. Many have been impacted by road closures, staff shortages or freight delay, so please let us know.

We thank you for taking the time to complete this survey, during this very challenging time.

Complete the survey here 
 Primary producers reporting damages

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Natural Disaster Damage Survey  that can be used to record damage to primary production and animals from natural disasters such as floods. This source of “ground truth” information helps the Government and communities understand the scale and regional distribution of the impact of a disaster on agriculture and target resources and assistance in an area.

To report damage, click here

Grants, payments and loans

Medium Business Support Program

Funding supporting impacted business due to flooding. Guidelines are available here.

Applications close on 29 March 2024.  


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

Support services

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. 

Speak to our Economic Development Team

Council’s Economic Development Team is here to help

Please reach out if we can assist in any way, see contact details below.

Sarah Ryan

Director Community and Economic Development

Email: sryan@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au

P: 1300 087 004

M: 0437 394 790

Beck Hayward

Manager Economic Development and Tourism

Email: rhayward@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au

P: 1300 087 004

M: 0427 560 934

Julia Druitt

Economic Development Officer

Email: jdruitt@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au

P: 1300 087 004

Kristy Hayes

Tourism Officer

Email: khayes@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au

P: 1300 087 004

M: 0409 736 244 

Tiana Cronin

Grants Officer

Email: tcronin@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au

P: 1300 087 004

M: 0459 498 551