Rodney Stevens

The Clarence Valley Local Government Area LGA is the only LGA across the state to be declared a Natural Disaster area following two natural disasters in 2024, the bushfires in the Nymboida area between January 21 and February 13, and storms and flooding from a severe weather event that began on April 1.

As the Clarence Valley LGA was severely impacted by the natural disasters from these events, the NSW Government issued a Natural Disaster declaration, which opens a range of special assistance measures for affected communities and individuals.

Each disaster declaration by the NSW Government is allocated an Australian Government reference number AGRN.

The AGRN for the Clarence Valley bushfires is 1121 and the Natural Disaster declaration makes financial assistance available for counter disaster operations.

The AGRN for the April storms and flooding is 1119 which opens a range of funding options.

Primary producers and small businesses who were impacted by the storm can apply for concessional loans up to $130,000, plus transport subsidies of up to $15,000 are also available.

Sporting and recreation clubs can apply for concessional loans of up to $12,000 to repair damaged facilities, plus grants of up to $2000 are available.

Not-for-profit organisations can apply for concessional grants of up to $25,000 to repair assets and infrastructure.

The Natural Disaster declarations also make funding available for counter disaster operations and the restoration of essential public assets.

For more information on financial assistance for emergencies and natural disasters visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/emergencies-and-natural-disasters 

For more information on available grants and funding visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding