$50,000 GRANTS FOR PRIMARY PRODUCERS IN PARKES ELECTORATE

Grants of up to $50,000 are available for primary producers in the Parkes electorate that have been impacted by the November floods.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said local farmers across the Parkes electorate have been hit especially hard by flooding and severe storms.

“Just as they were on the cusp of what was to be a record-breaking harvest, our farmers were dealt another cruel blow after years of compounding disasters – from the drought to bushfires, a mice plague, and a global pandemic,” Mr Coulton said.

“Many crops were washed away, while others were significantly downgraded, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for our farmers.

“I’m pleased that eligible primary producers will now have access to grants of up to $50,000 to help them get back on their feet.”

Assistance is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Australian and New South Wales Governments are jointly committing more than $80 million to make assistance immediately available for eligible primary producers in the Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Cobar, Coonamble, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Lachlan, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Narromine, Walgett, Warren, and Warrumbungle local government areas and the Unincorporated Area of NSW.

Primary producers will be able to access grants for recovery and reinstatement activities, including salvaging crops and repairing damaged farm infrastructure and equipment.

“These grants will enable eligible primary production enterprises to access $10,000 up-front to help with initial recovery costs, and a further $40,000 to continue repairing the damage to their property, if required,” Mr Coulton said.

“I encourage farmers impacted by the recent flooding to apply so they can get back to operating as soon as possible.”

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.

ENDS