The NSW and Australian Governments are committed to providing ongoing support for regional communities impacted by severe storms and flood that began on 27 June 2022, with the announcement of the Rural Landholder Grant program.
Grants of up to $25,000 are available for landholders and oyster farmers in declared Local Government Areas (LGAs) who receive at least $20,000 in income from primary production per annum and do not qualify for support through existing recovery programs.
Eligible landholders and oyster farmers are encouraged to apply for the grant to support their recovery.
Applications for the RLG program are open until 30 June 2023. All activities and expenditure funded under this program must be complete, and all invoices to claim payment must be submitted to the RAA by 30 September 2023.
Once approved, eligible primary producers can access $5,000 in assistance up-front, with a further $20,000 in financial assistance available thereafter upon submission of valid tax invoices.
Landholders are encouraged not to self-assess and to apply for the scheme so the RAA can determine eligibility.
To find out if you are eligible view the LGAs affected and the Guidelines below:
Local Government Areas eligible for the Rural Landholder Grant program | Closing date for applications | Closing date for claims |
---|---|---|
Cowra | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
Bogan, Brewarrina, Dubbo, Parkes, Parramatta | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Cabonne, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury Bankstown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Cumberland, Dungog, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Kempsey, Kiama, Lake Macquarie, Lithgow, Liverpool, Maitland, Mid-Coast, Muswellbrook, Nambucca, Narromine, Newcastle, Northern Beaches, Oberon, Penrith, Port Stephens, Port-Macquarie-Hastings, Randwick, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Singleton, Strathfield, Sutherland, The Hills, Upper Lachlan, Walgett, Warren, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
Bourke | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
Eligible landholders and oyster farmers impacted by flood events that occurred from 27 June 2022 onwards (AGRN 1025) who are not eligible for existing flood support programs (primary producer Special Disaster Grants) may apply for a Rural Landholder Grant to support recovery.
You should read the program guidelines before lodging an application.
Download the program guidelines here:
Program Guidelines - Rural Landholder Grant June 2022 (PDF, 400.82 KB)
Applicants will need to complete the online application form and attach a copy of the following documentation:
Ensure that your documents are scanned individually as they will need to be uploaded to specific sections throughout the form. Please note that the online form has file size restrictions (approx. 20MB total). For each attachment please ensure the file size is 2.5MB or less to avoid submission issues.
If you have previously submitted tax returns to the NSW RAA for the financial year 2020/2021 or more recently, you will not need to provide further information. If we do not have your previous financial information, we will seek your permission to contact your accountant directly if this is easiest for you.
The online application form has been designed to make the process as simple as possible. You will be required to upload digital copies of supporting documentation (please refer to the 'What you will need section') so please have these ready before commencing your application.
It is recommended that you await the outcome of your application before submitting invoices. Once your application has been assessed an assessment officer will advise you of the process with your upfront payment and how to verify this later when you need to claim more funds.
You will need:
*Note that the RAA can ask for proof of payment (receipts, bank statements) against invoices, either at the point of submitting a claim, or at audit.
The RAA understands that you may have been impacted by a number of declared disaster events over the past 18 months and that allocating a claim (i.e. an invoice) to any one of these events may be difficult, or in some instances may not be possible. We ask that you use your best endeavours to ensure proper record keeping and can work with you to ensure the process of lodging your claim is as easy as possible.
If you are unsure at any stage of the process as to how to complete the online claim form, please use this Example Claims Request Form (PDF, 1324.16 KB).
To read the FAQs for this program please click here.
If you have difficulty understanding the guidelines or completing the application form you should seek the assistance of your rural/financial counsellor, business advisor, accountant or a trusted family member/friend.
Rural Financial Counselling Service
Free confidential assistance is available from your local Rural Financial Counselling Service - you can find your local service here:
Rural Financial Counselling Service.
Rural Recovery Support Service
The Rural Recovery Support Service is managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), to provide assistance to rural landholders and primary producers who have been impacted by the recent floods. DPI Recovery Workers are a single point of contact, providing information and referrals to support you on your recovery journey.
Translations
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