$75,000 Special Disaster Grant Now Open

The NSW and Australian Governments are supporting primary producers impacted by flooding that began on 4 August and/or 14 September 2022, by announcing $75,000 Special Disaster Grants to help pay for immediate clean-up and repairs to infrastructure.

Who can access this grant? 

To be eligible, you must: 

• be a primary producer
• hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
• have a primary production enterprise located in a declared local government area (LGA) for AGRN 1030 and/or 1034
• intend to re-establish or continue the primary production enterprise.

A full list of eligible criteria can be found in the program guidelines. 

How much can I access?

The maximum amount you can apply for is $75,000. 

Producers impacted by both the August and September flood events, who are in an LGA declared for both AGRN 1030 and AGRN 1034, may submit one Special Disaster Grant application up to a maximum of $75,000 covering damages across both declared disaster events. 

A $25,000 up-front payment is available to approved eligible applicants only. 

You will be eligible for the up-front payment if:

• you have not received any other Special Disaster Grants for flood events since February this year; or 
• you were approved for the Special Disaster Grant for severe weather and flooding that occurred from February 2022 (AGRN 1012) and/or June 2022 (AGRN 1025), and you have evidenced any funds received with valid tax invoices and proof of payment.

If you cannot verify the expenditure of funds received for previous events, you may still be reimbursed for eligible expenses, through the provision and verification of valid tax invoices and proof of payments made, however you will not be eligible for the up-front payment. 

How do I prove flood damage? 

To make it easier for you to apply, the RAA has access to third party damage assessment information such as high-resolution imagery, to confirm the extent of the impact in declared flood-affected LGAs in NSW.  

However, it is important that you provide reasonable evidence of flood damage with your application so we can fully assess your situation. Some examples include: 

• quotes or estimates for works to be completed;
• tax invoices of expenses incurred for clean up or salvage works already completed following the floods which began on 4 August and/or 14 September 2022;
• photos taken of damaged property with time, date and location stamps - these are not mandatory however will assist us to assess your claim. 

The RAA understands that if you have been impacted by a number of declared disaster events over the past 12 months, allocating a claim (i.e. an invoice) to any one of these events may be difficult. We ask that you use your best endeavours to ensure proper record keeping. The RAA will work with you to allocate your invoices, if required.

What can I use the grant for? 

This grant can be used to assist with costs associated with clean-up and damages.  

This includes, but is not limited to, the removal of debris, damaged material and deceased livestock, maintenance of livestock health, and repairing or replacing of fodder, fencing, essential water infrastructure and testing of water and soil.   

A full list of eligible claim items can be found in the program guidelines. 

How do I apply?

Applications can be made via the RAA website. 

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the NSW RAA either by calling 1800 678 593 or emailing rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au.

Other assistance available through the RAA 

Rural Landholder Grants

The NSW and Australian Governments have announced Rural Landholder Grants of up to $10,000 for landholders and oyster farmers who have been impacted by severe flooding events that began on 4 August 2022 and also from 14 September 2022.

Applications for the Rural Landholder Grant will open soon.

Disaster Relief Loans

• Primary producers and small businesses directly affected by the August and/or September 2022 flooding event who are in urgent and genuine need of assistance may be eligible for low interest loans of up to $130,000. 
• Not-for-profit organisations directly affected by the August and/or September 2022 flooding event may be eligible for low interest natural disaster relief loans of up to $25,000 to support restoration of essential facilities.  

Natural Disaster Transport Subsidies

Primary producers affected by the August and/or September 2022 flooding event may be eligible for a natural disaster transport subsidy. This subsidy pays for the cost of transporting: 

• fodder and/or water to an affected property 
• stock to sale or slaughter 
• stock to/from agistment.