Disaster assistance has been extended to Lismore, Kyogle and Ballina Council areas to help those worst-hit by the NSW bushfires. 

Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan said a Disaster Recovery Payment will immediately put cash into the pockets of those in need, providing $1000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children.

“The payment is available to people whose homes has been severely damaged or destroyed, who have been seriously injured or who have lost a family member in the fires,” Mr Hogan said.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

“We’ve acted swiftly to provide immediate financial support to bushfire-hit communities,” Mr Hogan said.

“The funding is in addition to disaster assistance already made available to Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour council areas.”

Assistance measures available under the Disaster Recovery Funding may include;

•     support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;

•     Disaster Recovery Allowance providing eligible applicants up to 13 weeks income support, for people who have lost their income as a direct result of the fires.

•     freight subsidies for primary producers; and,

•     grants to eligible non-profit organisations.

Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at http://www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW emergency information and response website at http://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au