In breaking news, federal and state governments have rolled out vital personal and SME financial support for those individuals and businesses affected by the devastating current flooding in NSW and QLD.
In other news, there are also number of new ‘dine and discover’ style vouchers to be taken advantage of for NSW residents and businesses.
Federal flood assistance rolled out
With an extensive rain event bringing extreme flooding and devastation to northern New South Wales and South East Queensland, the federal government has revealed assistance measures to ease the financial burden rendered by property loss, damage, or personal injury.
Affected areas
As of 1 March 2022, the following LGAs have been deemed eligible for potential assistance. This is an ever-changing situation.
QLD disaster zones
Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, North Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba local government areas.
NSW disaster zones
Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence, Coffs, Glen Innes, Hornsby, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca, Port Mac Hastings, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield, The Hills & Tweed local government areas.
Federal assistance explained
Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke about the flood assistance being tabled, known as the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
“This is a disaster recovery payment that is for eligible people who have been directly impacted by the floods with inundation,” he said.
“These payments are there to provide for some of the most basic needs that people have when they have been impacted by a flood event such as this.”
What individuals can receive:
- Eligible adults will be entitled to $1,000 per person, while $400 will be available for each child younger than 16.
- Locals will be able to start applying for Commonwealth financial support through Services Australia from 9am 1 March 2022.
- The AGDRP is a one-off, non-means tested payment and is available to eligible people in those affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.
You can access these benefits through your MyGov account or by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66
Federal business assistance
The federal government has also offered support for small businesses who have been flood affected through the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).
The DRA assists employees, small business persons and farmers who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. You might be eligible for a maximum of 13 weeks payment from the date you have or will have a loss of income as a direct result of a disaster. The DRA is taxable.
NSW disaster assistance for SMEs
If your NSW business is affected by flooding or other natural disasters, you could be entitled to grants and loan assistance through the NSW government.
QLD disaster assistance for SMEs
If your QLD business is affected by flooding, you could be entitled to grants and loan assistance through the QLD Government.
NSW Voucher scheme extended
In other small business and COVID-19 news, the voucher scheme has been expanded in NSW.
With the extension of the voucher scheme, businesses across the state will be looking to benefit from an influx of cash flow that will help lift the Omicron fog.
Stay NSW
From 3 March, every NSW resident over 18 will have access to a one off $50 ‘Stay NSW’ voucher to be used at participating accommodation venues across the state. This is intended to incentivise local travel for residents, as well as putting money into accommodation provider’s pockets to boost cash flow.
Parents NSW Vouchers
In a bid to further support families with children, the NSW Government has introduced family specific ‘Parents NSW Vouchers’.
From February 2022 onwards, one individual from each eligible household can attain 5 x $50 vouchers, or $250 in total. These are intended to be used for holidays and activities.
The 5 x $50 Parents NSW Vouchers can be used at:
- Discover NSW businesses for entertainment and recreation
- Stay NSW businesses for accommodation
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