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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Register.Find.Reunite. launched to reunite families and friends impacted by Kyogle Bushfire

Australian Red Cross

Australian Red Cross has opened Register.Find.Reunite. and is urging people affected by the Kyogle bushfire to get in touch with their families and friends.

Australian Red Cross State Director Kate Miranda said being separated from family and friends is one of the most stressful things a person can experience during an emergency.

“Not knowing where your loved ones are, not being able to contact them by phone or email adds to that anxiety,” Ms Miranda said.

“The service helps find and reunite family, friends and loved ones during a disaster.”

Australian Red Cross has opened Register.Find.Reunite. and is urging people affected by the Kyogle bushfire to get in touch with their families and friends.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Kyogle Bushfire, Australian Red Cross encourages you to register or enquire through the Register.Find.Reunite. service.

People can register and look for someone with Register.Find.Reunite. on the Australian Red Cross website at redcross.org.au from a computer or any mobile device. If internet and mobile devices are down due to the emergency, people can also register and enquire in person at an evacuation or relief centre.

The Register.Find.Reunite. service matches registrations from people affected by an emergency to enquiries made by their loved ones searching for news. Where a match is made, the person who made the enquiry will be notified.

It is important for emergency management agencies to know where people are during emergencies. By registering with Register.Find.Reunite. you are also letting important services know that you are OK and what support you may need.

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