Residents in Bulahdelah impacted by recent bushfires will have access to direct support this Friday, as the State Government rolls out recovery hubs and hardship payments for communities affected across New South Wales.
A Recovery Assistance Point will open in Bulahdelah on Friday, 12 December, at the School of Arts on Crawford Street, operating from 1pm to 5pm. Staff from the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Vinnies, Legal Aid NSW and other support organisations will be on hand to help individuals and families begin the recovery process.
The assistance is part of a broader recovery effort jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with Bulahdelah among the towns hardest hit during the recent fire activity across the Mid Coast.
The State Government has also confirmed personal hardship payments of $900 will be made available to households whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged. Households experiencing hardship as a result of the fires may be eligible for payments of up to $180.
“These communities have faced fast-moving and destructive fires, and our focus right now is making sure people have somewhere safe to stay and can access the essential support they need.” said Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin.
“Teams are on the ground working with combat agencies and councils to confirm damage to homes, businesses and public assets and support is already being delivered across all seven LGAs.”
Natural disaster declarations are now in place for seven Local Government Areas including Mid Coast, which takes in Bulahdelah. Other declared LGAs include Central Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle, Dubbo and Lake Macquarie.
Residents, businesses, primary producers and councils in these areas can now access a range of support measures, including:
- Emergency accommodation and essential supports for people whose homes were damaged
- Clean-up assistance for eligible property owners
- Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace household items and carry out essential repairs
- Freight subsidies for livestock and fodder transport
- Low-interest loans for small businesses and primary producers
- Assistance for councils and emergency services with disaster operations and public asset repairs
Information on eligibility, available support, and how to apply is available at nsw.gov.au/firerecoveryupdates, or by visiting a local Recovery Hub in person.
Community members wishing to support affected residents can donate through GIVIT, which is coordinating goods, services and financial donations in partnership with the NSW Government. Visit givit.org.au for more information.
Something going on in your part of the North Coast people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@nctimes.com.au
