The federal and state governments announced $126.25 million in further disaster assistance for communities hit by the devastating flooding that peaked in Renmark on Boxing Day and is subsequently impacting downriver areas.
The funding for the flood event that started in mid-November 2022 and continues to cause major issues for communities all along the Murray River is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
A comprehensive range of assistance is available including Property Assessment and Essential Services Reconnection offering up to $10 million to assess damage to primary residential properties including structural damage, electrical infrastructure, and reconnection of services.
There are also $9.3 million in Small Business Recovery Grants that offer businesses up to $50,000 per business to help affected businesses get up and running again.
Primary Producer Recovery Grants ($45.9 million) are available for up to $75,000 per producer for clean-up and reinstatement of the primary producer businesses.
There is also a legal assistance grant of up to $250,000 for legal assistance for affected people and businesses.
The nine local government areas eligible for funding are Alexandrina Council, Berri Barmera Council, Coorong District Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray, District Council of Loxton Waikerie, Mid Murray Council, Murray Bridge Council, Pastoral Unincorporated Area, and Renmark Paringa Council.
Further measures being provided through a separate funding process include $5 million for a range of activities relating to flood mitigation and recovery for impacted councils and $250,000 for mentors for rural businesses and financial counselling support for families.
For information about these grants, contact the South Australian Relief hotline on 1800 302 787.
Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian government’s Disaster Assist website.
