Photo caption: An aerial view of flooding at Chinamans Lane, Moree on Wednesday morning. Photo courtesy of Sascha Estens, Rabbit Hop Films

Disaster recovery assistance has been made available to those in the Moree Plains and Gwydir local government areas impacted by severe storms and floods from 10 March onwards.

A major flood warning and evacuation order remains in place for Moree, as flooding continues along the Gwydir and Mehi Rivers.

Federal Member for Parkes said disaster recovery assistance has been provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), as the Moree community braces for the Mehi River to peak on Wednesday evening.

“Very heavy rainfall in the Gwydir Valley has caused major flooding along the Mehi River at Moree, while major flooding is also occurring along the Gwydir River at Gravesend, Pallamallawa and Yarraman,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is the biggest flood Moree has experienced since the February 2012 event, and it has already caused significant damage to roads, businesses and residential properties.

“While the worst is still to come, residents in affected areas can rest assured that they will be able to receive help once the huge clean-up effort begins.”

Mr Coulton said the Australian Government is committed to ensuring the region’s recovery is effective.

“Assistance is available to cover the costs associated with the operational response and support households, small businesses, primary producers, not-for-profit organisations and councils as they begin their recovery and look to repair the significant damage caused to homes, businesses and local infrastructure,” Mr Coulton said.

“We’re prepared to do what it takes to further assist the NSW Government to support councils in their response to the devastating storms and major floods impacting individuals and communities across the region.”

Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

• 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 eligible non-profit organisations.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88. To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and Service NSW at disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au

Mr Coulton urged residents to stay safe as flooding continues, and to heed the advice of authorities.

In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.