An additional $18.1 million in recovery funding is available to bushfire affected communities in Southern NSW to help businesses reopen.
The recovery funding has been extended to the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Shoalhaven, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys and Mid-Western council areas.
Farmers and small businesses can apply for recovery grants of up to $15,000 to clean-up, repair damages and replace stock.
Mental health services will get an additional $4.5 million boost so they can support communities, volunteers and emergency services staff in these areas.
Acting NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services Anthony Roberts said that there is a broad range of assistance available to bushfire affected communities.
“There is support for people who are suffering personal hardship; help for people whose homes have been damaged; and funding for firefighting operations and to restore damaged essential public assets,” Mr Roberts said.
The community recovery assistance program is being jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
To apply for a recovery grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.