Local fire-affected farmers urged to apply for disaster assistance

MEMBER for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging fire-affected primary producers and landholders in the Kyogle and Tenterfield Local Government Areas (LGAs) to access disaster assistance in response to recent and ongoing bushfires in those areas.

“Many of the farmers and primary producers in the Kyogle and Tenterfield areas are already experiencing the adverse effects of an early onset to this year’s bushfire season and I want them to know we are pulling out all stops to support their recovery,” Ms Saffin said.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will be administered through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) to help communities and individuals directly affected by the fires.

The assistance measures include:

• Concessional interest rate loans for primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations, with interest rates currently set at 1.79%
• Transport subsidies for primary producers of up to 50% of the total freight cost
• Donated fodder transport subsidies for the costs of donating and transporting donated fodder to affected properties or storage facilities in a central location up to a maximum distance of 1,500 kilometres.

Further information, including guidelines, fact sheets and application forms, can be found on the RAA’s website or by calling the RAA on 1800 678 593.

Fire affected farmers and land managers in these LGAs requiring assistance with livestock assessment, animal welfare and veterinary assistance can contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647 to access support.

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Funds flow for Kyogle Football Club drainage upgrade

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed news that Kyogle Football Club is set to receive $20,000 towards improved oval drainage as part of the NSW Government’s $37.2 million Local Small Commitments Allocation Program.

“This was one of my key election commitments to the Kyogle community and it is great that the funding has now been secured,” Ms Saffin said.

“The Club’s grounds are in one of the lowest parts of Kyogle and the upgraded drainage will enable the grounds to be back in action more quickly after heavy rain or flooding in the adjacent Richmond River.”

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has welcomed news that Kyogle Football Club is set to receive $20,000 towards improved oval drainage.

Kyogle Football Club Treasurer and Registrar Glenn Rose said the Club was very appreciative of the new funding.

“The soccer field and athletics oval are always the first to go under in a flood and the last to resurface, so this funding will allow us to improve our usage during wet periods and flooding events,” he said.

“This will benefit all soccer clubs and all schools in our region.”

For further information on the Local Small Commitments Allocation Program visit the website.

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WILLIAMSON CALLS FOR ACTION ON FIRE RECOVERY SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LANDOWNERS

State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson has written to the NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, calling on the NSW Government to enact as a matter of urgency natural disaster assistance measures to landholders in the Clarence Valley and Richmond Valley local government areas (LGAs) in light of the impacts of recent bushfires.

Mr Williamson said a natural disaster declaration is an important first step in offering support for local communities under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements which are jointly funded by the NSW Government and Commonwealth Government.

“I am seeking the same level of disaster assistance that was recently extended to Kempsey, Mid-Coast, Port Macquarie, Kyogle and Tenterfield and Inverell local government areas in response to the impacts of bushfires,” Mr Williamson said.

“My electorate has seen a Section 44 fire emergency, along with several other bushfires, the most recent being at Nymboida, with two emergency warnings issued this week resulting in significant firefighting operations to bring it under control to protect property,” Mr Williamson said.

“Earlier this month firefighters spent several days trying to contain a large fire in Evans Head and crews have been called out to contain numerous other fires across parts on my electorate including at Lawrence and Glenreagh.

“The fires have burned many hectares across the Clarence and Richmond valleys with landowners impacted so activating immediate disaster recovery assistance is essential to help those who have been directly affected and are suffering personal hardship.

“I offer my gratitude to all emergency service personnel who are out there fighting fires to protect our local communities.”

For more Tenterfield news, click here.