News

New Disaster Relief Measures Rolled Out After Severe Storms Hit Hunter LGAs

today25 January 2025

Background
share close

The Albanese and Minns Governments have announced extended disaster recovery support for nine additional local government areas (LGAs) after severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall lashed parts of New South Wales on 15 January 2025. The affected areas include Blacktown, Cessnock, Dungog, Hawkesbury, Lake Macquarie, Mid Coast, Northern Beaches, Singleton, and Upper Hunter.

This new round of assistance follows similar measures introduced on 18 January for Maitland, Port Stephens, and Snowy Valleys. Further expansions to the Natural Disaster Declaration are expected as more councils submit assessments of the damage caused by the storms.

Under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), support available to affected communities may include:

  • Immediate relief for residents in need, including emergency accommodation.
  • Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace vital household items or carry out essential repairs on damaged homes.
  • Funding to help local councils and agencies cover the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged public assets.
  • Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations, as well as grants for sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged property.
  • Freight subsidies for primary producers to transport livestock and fodder.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said this expanded assistance demonstrates the Albanese and Minns Governments’ commitment to helping communities and local councils recover swiftly.

“This support will ensure more communities gain access to essential supplies and accommodation, while councils can clean up and restore assets as quickly as possible,” Ms McAllister said. “I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of first responders and local council staff during this challenging time.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib emphasised the importance of these declarations in providing rapid relief to those affected.
“We rely on councils submitting impact assessment forms to extend assistance, and I thank them for continuing to work closely with the NSW Reconstruction Authority,” Mr Dib said. “The NSW Government is committed to helping residents, businesses, and volunteers manage the clean-up and stay safe in the wake of this severe weather.”

Mr Dib also commended the work of NSW State Emergency Service volunteers and emergency responders, who have handled a high number of calls and provided critical support to local communities.

For more information on the disaster assistance measures available, visit www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.