FEDERAL Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker has announced joint Commonwealth-State disaster funds – available for affected individuals, organisations and councils from the devastating super storm in early June – will be extended to the Nambucca and Kempsey Shire council areas.
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These councils join Coffs Harbour City Council and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council as areas eligible for grants and concessional loans under the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
Mr Hartsuyker briefed Justice Minister Michael Keenan and Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce after inspecting damage to infrastructure, crops and aquaculture farms across the Cowper electorate.
He said he had recently inspected damage to the break wall in front of the Nambucca Heads Surf Lifesaving Club with Nambucca mayor Rhonda Hoban.
“I have discussed the extent of the damage to Nambucca Valley infrastructure with Cr Hoban and I am pleased to see the council area is now deemed eligible for Federal-State government disaster relief,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
Cr Hoban said damage was sustained at Nambucca’s Main Beach, landslips were reported in parts of the shire and road and bridge abutments were damaged in the storm.
“The sea wall at Main Beach has been significantly damaged and it is one of our most popular swimming beaches. We have also had a lot of clean-up costs, so we certainly welcome the announcement that we will now be eligible for financial assistance,” Cr Hoban said.
Mr Hartsuyker has also discussed the super storm damage to infrastructure in the Kempsey Shire Council area with mayor Liz Campbell.
“This disaster relief funding will fix roads and bridges damaged in the storm, which is great news,” Cr Campbell said.
The State Government will determine how the funds are allocated and the Federal Government will reimburse up to 75 per cent of those funds distributed. To apply for disaster relief funding, call 1800 018-444 (individuals) and 1800 678-593 (business).
