The Federal and NSW Governments have activated additional assistance for communities impacted by recent bushfires with a Natural Disaster Declaration for the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area.

In the Lake Macquarie area, the bushfire threatened homes in the townships of Redhead, Gateshead, Whitebridge and Dudley, requiring significant aviation support and causing damage to over 90 hectares of bushland.

The declaration activates a suite of support measures for residents, businesses, primary producers and the local council. People whose homes have been damaged may be eligible for immediate financial help as well as clean-up, rebuilding and recovery assistance.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Assistance measures that may be available, depending on eligibility include: 

• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
• Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

The NSW Government understands people want to help, but we ask the community not to send physical donations. The best way to support those affected is by donating through GIVIT, our official disaster relief partner at https://www.givit.org.au/.

The Natural Disaster Declaration for Lake Macquarie follows the earlier announcement of DRFA disaster assistance to communities in the 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Central Coast, Mid Coast, Upper Hunter, Muswellbrook, Warrumbungle and Dubbo.

To keep up to date with recovery advice and support go to nsw.gov.au/firerecoveryupdates. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said, “I want people in the Lake Macquarie region to know the Albanese Government is here to support you. We are working closely with our New South Wales counterparts to ensure people get assistance as quickly as possible.

“To have this happen to people just weeks before Christmas is especially tough, and as a community we are all here to help.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “The Lake Macquarie community has endured a frightening and disruptive period of bushfires.

“This declaration enables immediate access to essential support so people can begin to get back on their feet.

“Recovery staff are on the ground with Council and emergency services, undertaking impact assessments and recovery planning to ensure resources are directed where they’re needed most, as quickly as possible.”