MINISTER RECOMMENDS CATEGORY C ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallacher, has today written to the Premier, recommending activation of Category C assistance in respect to the June mid-north coast floods.

“Now that the flood waters have completely subsided, the damage caused by the recent floods is clear,” Minister Gallacher said.

“The Department of Primary Industries has taken the time to complete a very comprehensive assessment of the destruction caused by the June deluge.

“Based on this advice and on the recommendation of the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services, I have decided that Category C assistance is needed for eight local government areas including, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Greater Taree and Gloucester.

Minister Gallacher noted that under Category C of the Commonwealth/State Government funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, eligible farmers and small business owners would be able to apply for cash grants.

“The purpose of the grants – which are for a maximum of $15,000 – will be to assist farmers and small business owners to clean up and recover from the floods.” Minister Gallacher concluded.

The Department of Primary Industries will continue to assess and review damage reports for other Local Government Areas affected by the recent floods.

Pending Commonwealth Government approval, the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) will administer and process applications for primary producer/small business grants.

Farmers and small business owners seeking more information about the kinds of assistance they may be eligible for can contact the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

Please see attached extract of the Disaster Relief Recovery Grants which advises the closing date for application for grants is 30 June 2011.

Kellon Beard

Regional Manager | NSW Business Chamber

146-148 Gordon Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Tel: +612 6584 0910 | Mob: 0427 767 246 | Fax: 02 6584 0930

Web: www.nswbusinesschamber.com.au

Disaster relief prnsy057@nswbc.com.au_20110624_095721