Disaster payments will be extended to another eight local government areas in New South Wales, as the state continues to suffer the impacts of widespread flooding.
The local government areas of Cumberland, Mid Coast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Randwick and Warren will now be able to claim the flood-relief payments, bringing the total number of LGAs receiving payments to 37.
These one-off, $1,000 payments for adults and $400 for children are available to people who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including damaged or destroyed homes and/or serious injury.
Employees and sole traders who have lost income as a result of the floods will also be able to claim the Disaster Recovery Allowance for up to 13 weeks.
"The floods were widespread and lasted several days and, as the extent of the damage is reported, we are continuing to make sure support is made available," Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said.
"This funding will help to provide for immediate needs, including temporary accommodation, food and clothing."
The government says half a million people affected by severe storms and flooding have received more than $436 million in disaster assistance already.
However, as flood waters recede, some people returning to their homes have told the ABC that, even with flood assistance, the prospect of recovery is overwhelming.
Wilberforce business owner Raelene Hodgskin said her business was beginning the journey with depleted funds.
"When we've been shut for so long, you've got no funds to actually fix everything to get reimbursed," she said.
Additional funding committed to flood victims
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced joint funding from the federal and NSW governments to further assist people impacted by the floods.
It includes $80 million more to assist with clean up of flood debris, grants to assist farmers, an extra $1 million for each of the 37 declared disaster-affected LGAs and $36 million towards providing assessments for flooded properties, and free demolitions for those found to be uninhabitable.
"To see your home, your business and your livelihood disappear under floodwaters is incredibly traumatic," Mr Albanese said in a statement.
"As we emerge from this disaster, the scale of the recovery effort is becoming clearer, and it will be a long road for many."
