Special Disaster Grants – NSW Severe Weather & Flooding February 2022 onwards
The NSW and Australian Governments have announced additional assistance measures to support primary producers who have been impacted by the floods and severe weather that occurred from February 2022 onwards.
Assistance is now being provided to 60 local government areas in NSW through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Primary producers recovering from the devastating impacts of floods are receiving vital support, with Special Disaster Grants of up to $75,000 now available.
Flood affected primary producers are encouraged to apply for Special Disaster Grants to access financial assistance to get back operating as soon as possible.
Once approved, eligible primary producers can access $25,000 in assistance up-front, with a further $50,000 in financial assistance available thereafter upon submission of valid tax invoices.
To find out if you are eligible view the LGAs affected and the Guidelines below:
| Eligible Disaster | Declaration Date | Disaster recovery grants available in Local Government Areas | Closing Date for applications | Closing Date for claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards | 29 July 2022 | Willoughby | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
| NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards | 20 May 2022 | Waverley | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
| NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards | 4 April 2022 | Lake Macquarie and Strathfield | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
| NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards | 23 March 2022 | Port Stephens | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
| NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards | 11 March 2022 | Cessnock, Cumberland, Dungog, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Lithgow, Maitland, Mid-Western, Muswellbrook, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Singleton, Snowy Monaro and Upper Hunter. | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
| NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards | 5 March 2022 | Bayside, Bega Valley, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury Bankstown, Central Coast, Eurobodalla, Fairfield City, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Inner West, Kiama, Ku-ring-gai, Liverpool, MidCoast, Newcastle, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Ryde, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Sutherland, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Wollongong. | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
| NSW Storms and Floods from 22 February 2022 onwards | 4 March 2022 | Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Glen Innes Severn, Hornsby, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca, Port Macquarie/Hastings, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield, The Hills and Tweed. | 30 June 2023 | 30 September 2023 |
Need help filling in this form?
Primary producers - free confidential assistance is available from your local Rural Financial Counselling Service.
DPI Rural Recovery Support Services - The Rural Recovery Support Service is managed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and funded by Resilience NSW, 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.
You can also give the RAA permission to work with your own private financial advisor or accountant to assist you, however you will be liable for any professional fees charged. Contact the Rural Assistance Authority team on 1800 678 593.
The application process
Primary Producers
The Special Disaster Grant – Severe Weather & Floods February 2022 is available to eligible primary producers, following the declaration of a Natural Disaster by the NSW Government and approval of the Australian Government. This assistance measure is only provided in event of Natural Disasters that have severely affected communities, regions or sectors.
Download the Special Disaster Grant Primary Producer Grant Guidelines.
Applicants must provide a complete application form and:
- local council rates notice OR Class A Aquaculture Permit OR NSW Commercial Fishing Licence/NSW Fishing Business Card;
- Lease agreement if you are the lessee of the impacted property you are applying for; and
- latest farm business tax returns and financial statements plus Personal Tax Return of all members of the business;
- you may include other evidence such as quotes, estimates, photos or tax invoices.
If you have previously submitted tax returns to the NSW RAA for the financial year 2019/2020 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.
If you are unsure at any stage of the process as to how to complete the online application form, please use the Special Disaster Grant example application document for information and helpful tips on how to proceed.
Download the Special Disaster Grant Example Online Application Form here (PDF, 1095.92 KB).
You will need:
- BP reference number
- ABN number
- Case number from original application
- Tax Invoices
- Proof of payment
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, 377.63 KB).
Need Help?
Download the Frequently Asked Questions here.
To help you further understand the Special Disaster Grant and Future Resilience please download the Future Resilience Fact Sheet (PDF, 261.87 KB).
