2022 Flood Support and Recovery

Our electorate is currently in the grip of some of the worst flooding we have seen for many decades and it is definitely a time of great uncertainty for us all.

I suggest you stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by the NSW SES, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

Sources of Information

Please see below the best sources of the most up-to-date information:  

• For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

• Latest flood information please visit http://www.hazardwatch.gov.au/

• Local ABC radio station which can be found at http://reception.abc.net.au or www.abc.net.au/riverina or www.abc.net.au/milduraswanhill

• Follow SES on social media @NSWSES or visit http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au

• Learn about your risk at http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/knowyourrisk/

• Check latest weather, warnings, rainfall and river heights at New South Wales Weather and Warnings Summary www.bom.gov.au/nsw/

• Check road closures at http://www.livetraffic.com (at this stage main roads only) or 132 701 or your local Council.

• Contact your Local Land Services Office for rural animal and livestock assistance at http://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/ or call 1300 795 299

• Your local Council are providing regular updates via Facebook or call your Council directly.

  Flood Support
While there is limited access for support at this stage, there will be additional opportunities in the future once there is a full understanding of the impact of this disaster. I am actively advocating for the Murray electorate and ensuring we get our fair share.

Please see the links below of support you may be eligible for:

• Services Australia Disaster Recovery Allowance: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/new-south-wales-floods-september-2022-disaster-recovery-allowance

• Disaster Assistance Finder: http://disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au/

• Business Connect: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/business-connect

• Grants and payments for businesses: https://www.nsw.gov.au/floods/financial-support/businesses

• Tourism Australian Disaster Recovery Information: https://www.tourism.australia.com/en/resources/industry-resources/resources-for-industry/bushfire-information-and-resources-for-industry.html

• Murray River Council residents can access a one off disaster payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child through Centrelink

• Category D funding- primary producers can access grants up to $75,000 for rebuilding at Home (nsw.gov.au)

• $500 pre-paid visa card is available at Home - Rural Aid - Supporting Rural Communities

  Below is a range of additional options which have just been released regarding the Aug - Nov 2022 storm and flood support:

• Japanese encephalitis virus alert: Higher rainfall and warmer temperatures increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. It's important to be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses, including Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). In NSW, a free JEV vaccination is available for people aged 2 months or older who live or routinely work in eligible local government areas and spend significant time outdoors (four hours per day) for unavoidable work, recreation, education, or other essential activities, or are living in temporary or flood-damaged accommodation (e.g. camps, tents, dwellings exposed to the external environment) that place them at increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes, or are engaged in prolonged outdoor recovery efforts (clean up) of stagnant waters following floods. Find out if you are eligible for the free vaccination or find the latest information at health.nsw.gov.au.

• NSW SES warnings framework: The NSW SES has adopted the Australian Warning System to provide a nationally consistent approach to warnings prior to the impact of severe weather events. Watch this video to learn more about the framework.

• Support for individuals: Individuals impacted by the September 2022 severe weather and floods in a disaster-declared Local Government Areas (LGAs) may be eligible for the Disaster Relief Grant. The Disaster Assistance Finder now enables people to identify themselves as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and find out about relevant support and services.

• Support for primary producers: Primary producers may be eligible for concessional loans (up to $130,000) and the Natural Disaster Transport Subsidy (up to $15,000) via the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (1800 678 593). Recovery grants for primary producers impacted by flood events from August onwards will be open for applications soon.

• Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA) support: Flood-affected farmers and land managers in NSW requiring assistance with damage and stock losses, emergency fodder, veterinary assistance, euthanasia and burial, and livestock feeding and management advice can call the AASFA Hotline: 1800 814 647 or email aasfa@emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au.

• Support for business: Organisations in disaster-declared Local Government Areas (LGAs) may be eligible for concessional loans or subsidies following the floods from August 2022. This includes a Small Business Concessional Loan (up to $130,000), Non-profit Organisation Concessional Loan (up to $25,000), the Donated Fodder Transport Subsidy, or a Sporting Clubs Concessional Loan (up to $10,000) via the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (1800 678 593).

• Emotional and trauma support: Learn about available support and how to look after your own and your loved ones' wellbeing after a natural disaster.

Farm Stress and Mental Health Services
  Contact your local GP
  Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP)
Access resources relevant to the current situation include:
1. RAMHP - Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
2. Rural Adversity Mental Health Program - RAMHP | Facebook
3. Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (@ramhp_nsw) • Instagram photos and videos
4. Contact Tammy Elwin – Coordinator
Mobile - 0428249719 or email - Tammy.Elwin@health.nsw.gov.au
 
Murrumbidgee Local Health District - Farm Community Counsellor
Louise Fraser offers a free counselling service either over the phone or in person. She services the
area from Barham to Jerilderie and links other services together.
Louise Fraser Deniliquin Mob: 0436 811 692 Email: louise.fraser@health.nsw.gov.au
 
The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group
Services Directory | Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (denimentalhealth.org.au)

Mental Far West LHD Mental Health Services:
Far West LHD Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol services | NSW Government