Lithgow Storm Event – Disaster Assistance Update

Lithgow Storm Event – Disaster Assistance Update

24 January, 2022

There are a number of supports available to individuals and communities impacted by the devastating rainfall and flooding event on 11 January 2022. Lithgow City Council has compiled a resource to assist you to access these supports. This resource is a living document on Council’s website and will be updated as needed.

For emergency help in a flood, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

Where to get assistance with flood relief

For general information on disaster assistance in NSW, visit the Resilience NSW website or call the Service NSW Disaster Customer Care Service on 13 77 88. Alternatively, use Service NSW’s Disaster Assistance Finder to find out what supports are available to you. You can also visit the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website or Recovery Connect website.

Replacing damaged documents (licences, permits, certificates)

Financial support

Service NSW is providing flood recovery assistance for Local Government Areas in NSW that have been declared natural disasters visit Disaster Assistance Finder NSW Government Disaster Relief Grants are available for eligible individuals and families whose homes and essential household contents have been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster and are uninsured. Call Service NSW on 13 77 88 and ask about the Disaster Relief Grant administered by Resilience NSW. The NSW Rural Assistance Authority is providing low interest rate loans to non-profit organisations, primary producers, small businesses and sporting and recreation clubs in Local Government Areas affected by a declared natural disaster. Apply online here by the closing date for your area. The NSW Rural Assistance Authority is also providing transport subsidies for eligible farmers affected by natural disasters, to assist with the cost of transporting stock, fodder and water. Apply online here by the closing date for your area. The Australian Taxation Office will assist people affected by floods, for example by deferring tax lodgment or debt payment, helping with lost tax file numbers or records, or remitting any penalties or interest during the time you have been affected. Call the ATO Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 for assistance. The Australian Banking Association has a list of member banks providing customers with emergency assistance for floods. You can find contact details here. Commonwealth Bank customers impacted by floods are eligible for emergency assistance packages which can include loan assistance, waived fees and emergency accommodation for CommInsure customers. Call 1800 314 695 for assistance. ANZ customers affected by floods are eligible for financial assistance packages which can include temporary suspension of loan repayments and interest rate relief, and emergency funds and accommodation for ANZ Home and Contents insurance customers. Call 1800 149 549 for assistance. Bendigo Bank customers affected by floods are eligible for relief packages including loan relief for up to 3 months, discounted interest rates on personal loans, and emergency funds and temporary accommodation costs for home and contents insurance customers. Call 1300 236 344 for assistance. The National Debt Helpline is open to provide assistance to those in financial difficulty as a result of the flood crisis. It is a not-for-profit service for people struggling with insurance or other financial matters who need to speak with lawyers and financial counsellors. People can call the helpline for free advice on 1800 007 007, from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Revenue NSW may assist people impacted by the floods by placing a hold on all fines, debt and Work and Development Orders, extending payment deadlines and lifting driving sanctions. Call on 1300 138 118 for assistance and more information.

Housing

Insurance

The Insurance Council of Australia is operating a 24-hour hotline to help people impacted by the floods with general information about claims and recovery. Call on 1800 734 621 for assistance (note this is not a claim lodgment service). The Insurance Australia Group (IAG) are providing their customers (including customers of NRMA, CGU and WFI) within impacted communities with immediate support including emergency accommodation and financial assistance. Call IAG insurers for assistance: NRMA Insurance: 13 11 23 CGU Insurance: 13 24 80 WFI Insurance: 1300 934 934

Legal assistance

Legal Aid NSW can help people impacted by floods with everyday legal problems including insurance claims and disputes, financial hardship, tenancy and Centrelink. Call on 1800 801 529 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Justice Connect can provide free legal advice and ongoing representation to eligible small businesses, farms and primary producers affected by natural disasters like floods and bushfires. Apply for help here. Community legal centres can help with everyday legal problems like insurance claims, tenancy, Centrelink, lost documents and financial hardship. Find your local community legal centre here.

Mobile and utilities

Telstra customers impacted by floods are eligible for relief packages which can include one-off credit, free call diversion, a boost to data and free calls as well as reconnection support to those impacted. Call or message 1800 888 888. Optus customers are eligible for relief measures including additional data, free credit and bill waivers. Optus recognises everyone’s situation is different, so will tailor the support the customer needs based on their individual circumstances and services. Optus encourages any impacted customers to reach out directly via messaging on the My Optus app or on 1800 507 581.

Food and clothing

Child care

Pets and livestock

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services provide assistance to landholders and communities with animal welfare-related issues, including veterinary assistance, emergency fodder and stock water, stock euthanasia and burial, and care of animals in evacuation centres. Call the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647. The NSW Department of Primary Industries have prepared a factsheet on livestock safety in emergencies. Contact RSPCA for assistance with pets, livestock (including horses), and wildlife by calling 1300 278 358.

Mental health support

Disaster response guidance

Flood recovery health and safety information

NSW Health has prepared a range of resources on maintaining health during and after floods, including what to do about cleaning up after a flood, drinking water, mosquito control and managing your medications. The Australian Red Cross also has some useful tips and practical information to help households start the clean-up-both inside and outside. Cleaning up after a disaster