Further assistance for people affected by the NSW Sir Ivan Bushfire

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant today announced that assistance is being provided through the Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) for farmers impacted by New South Wales' devastating Sir Ivan bushfire.

Four weeks ago, the village of Uarbry in Central West NSW was tragically wiped out by the Sir Ivan bushfire. The fire destroyed 35 homes, a church, community hall and left a path of destruction through tens of thousands of hectares of farming land.

We thank our remarkable firefighting crews for their dedication to protecting our communities, and all local residents who supported their efforts.

By making these payments available today, the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments will ensure that those who have lost their livelihoods have the additional assistance they need to help them on the road to recovery.

To support those affected by the Sir Ivan bushfire, grants of up to $15,000 will be provided to eligible primary producers to help with costs associated with cleaning up, salvaging crops and repairing damaged equipment.

This is over and above assistance already provided under the joint Commonwealth-State NDRRA, which was announced on 14 February, including:

• help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged;

• support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;

• concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations;

• freight subsidies for primary producers; and

• grants to non-profit organisations.

Source: www.ministerjustice.gov.au/Mediareleases/Pages/2017/FirstQuarter/Further-assistance-for-people-affected-by-the-nsw-sir-ivan-bushfire.aspx

Last Updated: 17 Mar 2017