Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton recently visited Oscar Pearse, whose home was inundated by floodwater during the Moree flood.

The Federal Government has extended the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) to support those significantly affected by the storms and flooding in more areas of New South Wales.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said people in the Brewarrina, Cobar, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains, Narrabri and Walgett local government areas can now access the support package.

Mr Coulton said the extension of financial assistance would help to provide dignity for those who had suffered a significant loss due to the storms and floods.

“The AGDRP is for people whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed, who have been seriously injured or who have lost a family member and puts money straight in their pocket,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is a lump sum payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for each eligible child under the age of 16.”

More than $32 million has been paid to flood affected residents to date.

People eligible for DRA can access income assistance for up to 13 weeks, equivalent to the maximum rate of Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance.

Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens (‘non-protected’ Special Category Visa, subclass 444 holders) affected by the storms and floods.

Mr Coulton said Services Australia staff have mobilised and are providing immediate on-the-ground support to people affected by the devastating floods across New South Wales.

“The Australian Government is supporting communities through this crisis, and Services Australia have surged over 5000 staff to support the current disaster response effort,” Mr Coulton said.

Services Australia Disaster Assistance phone lines are open from 8am to 8pm local time, seven days a week. For more information on support available, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster.

More information on Australian Government disaster assistance, including a full list of local government areas where the payment has been activated is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au