Deadline nears for NSW flood assistance recovery grants

Primary producers and small businesses in southern and western NSW who suffered flood damage in March 2012 have until 31 October 2012 to finalise applications for assistance, NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) General Manager,
Steve Griffith, said today.

"Grants of up to $15,000 are available to eligible primary producers and small businesses who suffered damage as a result of flooding and excessive rainfall," Mr Griffith said.

"All applications for assistance for this flooding event must be received by the RAA by 31 October 2012, however, the date for production of tax invoices or receipts for reimbursement has now been extended until 31 January 2013.

"Applications can be lodged with either an estimate, or quote of the damages suffered."

The assistance package applies to the following local government areas:

• Central Darling
• Coolamon
• Forbes
• Griffith
• Gundagai
• Leeton
• Lockhart
• Murrumbidgee
• Narrandera
• Tumbarumba
• Tumut
• Urana
• Wagga Wagga
• Young

Mr Griffith said grants will be paid to recipients on subsequent production of tax invoices or receipts.

"It is not necessary to wait until the clean-up and restoration works have been completed before lodging an application for assistance," he said.

"The Authority will assess the general eligibility and advise successful applicants of an ‘approval in principle’ in writing."

To date, the RAA has approved grants of almost $18.9 million to more than 1,300 eligible primary producers and small businesses, in these local government areas.

Potential applicants should contact the RAA toll-free on 1800 678 593 to clarify eligibility criteria, or any other issues relating to this assistance, or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

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