The Australian Government has today announced assistance measures for the people of Bourke and surrounding areas following extensive flooding in the region.
Following the activation of the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, the Rudd Government will reimburse the New South Wales Government for the following measures that will be provided to eligible people and businesses:
* Personal hardship and distress assistance to people who have damaged property;
* Concessional interest rate loans to eligible primary producers, small businesses, and voluntary non-profit bodies to restore facilities damaged or destroyed;
* Freight subsidies for eligible primary producers of up to 50 per cent of the cost of road transport of livestock and emergency fodder;
* Grants to local councils to meet the additional costs of emergency work to restore essential services; and
* Assistance to sporting clubs to restore their damaged facilities.
For further information on how to receive this assistance please call the State Disaster Recovery Centre on 1800 018 444.
The Australian Government stands ready to provide additional support to the people of New South Wales if required during this difficult time.
Approximately 200 mm of rain fell in a 15 hour period on Friday 13 February. This is the equivalent of two-thirds of Bourke's annual rainfall.
Many people remain seriously affected by the flooding, with predictions of further significant rainfall in the next 24 hours.