NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin has encouraged those affected by Cyclone Alfred to check their eligibility and apply for a range of disaster assistance being offered by the state and federal governments.

“Thousands of Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands residents have been impacted by the now Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the damage left in its path, prolonged power outages and isolation from flooding,” Ms Saffin said.

“I thank the NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, together with responsible ministers, for moving quickly to ensure timely disaster declarations and early assistance.

“If you live in Lismore City, Tweed Shire, Byron Shire hinterland, Kyogle or Tenterfield Shire (disaster declared local government areas within the Lismore Electorate), check your eligibility and apply for financial support to get back on your feet.”

For updates on all facets of recovery go to www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/tropical-cyclone-alfred.

Key disaster support includes:

• The Personal Hardship Assistance Grant of $180 for individuals or up to $900 per family to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation, open from tomorrow (Wednesday, 12 March 2025) until Tuesday, 8 April 2025. Payment will be made to your bank account – this is not an in-person cash payment. Go to www.service.nsw.gov.au.

• The Disaster Relief Grant (DRG) Program supports those most in need and those least able to return their homes to a safe and habitable condition after a natural disaster, such as low-income earners and where the damage is not covered by insurance, subject to eligibility requirements. Also go to www.service.nsw.gov.au. For those who don’t have a Service NSW account or struggle with technology, support will also be available at their nearest Service NSW centre, Mobile Service centre, Recovery Assistance Point or Recovery Centre.

• The Disaster Recovery Allowance offers up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders, depending on their personal circumstances, who have suffered a loss of income as a direct result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Go to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-support.

• The Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) is currently providing the following assistance measures under Category B declaration that allows impacted small businesses, primary producers, not-for-profit organisations and sporting and recreational clubs and associations in declared LGAs to access concessional loans and subsidies. Go to www.raa.nsw.gov.au/loans/ndrl.

Primary producers:     

• Concessional loans up to $130,000    
• Transport subsidies up to $15,000    

Small businesses:     

• Concessional loans up to $130,000    

Not-for-profit organisations:    

• Concessional loans up to $25,000    
• Transport subsidy for donated fodder 

Sporting and recreation clubs and associations: 

• Concessional loans up to $10,000 

The declaration applies to 18 Local Government Areas: Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Glenn Innes Severn, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Lord Howe Island, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Richmond Valley, Tenterfield and Tweed. 

Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline - 1800 814 647. For farmers seeking assistance with emergency fodder to veterinarian assistance. 

Landholders can move stock to Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) when safe to do so and locate TSRs by using the Travelling Stock Reserves –State Classification Map. Livestock owners may use a TSR free of charge for up to 7 days during a declared emergency.

And importantly,

Lismore City Council, Kyogle Council, Tweed Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Tenterfield Shire Council are among the 18 LGAs which can apply for up to $1 million under a $15-million Community Recovery Support Fund once full impacts are known. This proactive support for communities to undertake essential immediate clean-up and restoration of community assets such as pre-schools, senior citizen centres, libraries and community halls. The Fund has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).