Residents across the Mid Coast and five other New South Wales regions are now eligible for disaster assistance, as the state and federal governments respond to the impact of bushfires that have swept through parts of the state in recent days.
The Federal and NSW governments have jointly triggered disaster recovery funding through the Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), following initial damage assessments by emergency services.
The NSW Natural Disaster Declaration covers the local government areas of Mid Coast, Central Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo.
Mid Coast communities are among the hardest hit, with early reports indicating the loss of multiple homes and significant damage to private property, agricultural assets, fencing, and critical infrastructure. National Parks in the region have also suffered extensive fire damage. The full extent of the impact will become clearer as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) continues on-ground assessments.
NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, acknowledged the deep toll the fires have taken on local communities.
“Our hearts are with every community impacted by the recent fires. We know people have lost homes, livelihoods, and their sense of security,” Ms Saffin said.
“These declarations make immediate assistance available so the difficult task of cleaning up and rebuilding can begin when it is safe to do so.
“The NSW Government will continue to stand with affected communities every step of the way as the full extent of the impact becomes clear.”
The disaster declaration activates a suite of support measures for individuals, businesses, primary producers and local councils. These include:
- Emergency assistance for eligible residents to cover immediate needs such as temporary accommodation and essential items.
- Grants for uninsured, low-income households to replace lost essential household items and make structural repairs.
- Concessional loans of up to $130,000 for small businesses and primary producers.
- Freight subsidies to assist farmers transporting fodder and livestock.
- Loans of up to $25,000 for non-profit organisations.
- Clean-up and recovery funding for impacted councils, including debris removal and public infrastructure repair.
- Funding support for emergency services’ counter-disaster operations.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain praised the efforts of emergency crews and reinforced the government’s commitment to recovery.
“The Albanese Government stands ready to support New South Wales communities during times of emergencies,” Minister McBain said.
“Bushfires like this are very distressing and my thoughts are with everyone that has been impacted.
“The Albanese and Minns governments are working together to get support to communities impacted by these bushfires as quickly as possible.”
Residents across the Mid Coast who have been affected by the fires are urged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit service.nsw.gov.au for information on available support, grant eligibility and recovery services.
Authorities are asking the public not to send physical donations. Instead, those wishing to help are encouraged to donate via GIVIT, the NSW Government’s official disaster relief partner, at givit.org.au.
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