BARCLAY MIS SUPPORT UPDATE

We at present do not have much more information to give as there is less information available than is being supplied by the Queensland Government but below is what we have to date and will update the detail when we can.

Apart from the information below contact your bank to obtain information of their flood relief packages.

SMALL BUSINESS AND RURAL

package of one-off  “Category C Grants” – worth up to $15,000 - under the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRAA).

Since December, a total of 51 Local Government Areas in New South Wales have been declared natural disaster areas.

• Small Businesses
Loans of up to $130,000 are available at a concessional rate of 2.77 per cent to small businesses affected by disasters and which meet certain eligibility criteria. This finance is available to those unable to obtain assistance through normal channels.

• Primary Producers- Loans
Loans of up to $130,000 are available (subject to certain eligibility criteria), at a concessional interest rate of 2.77 per cent, for those in urgent need. These loans may be used to meet carry-on requirements and the replacement and repair of damage not covered by insurance. The NSW Rural Assistance Authority (now part of Industry & Investment NSW) administers this scheme. Inquiries should be directed to the Authority on 1800 678 593. Website: www.raa.nsw.gov.au

• Primary Producers- Transport Subsidies
Transport freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent on the carriage of livestock and fodder are available to help primary producers. The maximum subsidy available is $15,000 per annum. Inquiries should be made to the nearest Industry & Investment NSW- Primary Industries office (formerly Department of Primary Industries). The public inquiry number is 1800 814 647. Website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

INDIVIDUAL

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced that the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available to people impacted by flooding in disaster-declared Local Government Areas in the Northern Region of NSW and the Clarence Valley LGA.The AGDRP is a one-off payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child to help them recover.

State Government web site - http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/welcome_to_docs_website.html

Personal Hardship and Distress Assistance
Community Services (formerly DoCS) can provide disaster relief grants to eligible
individuals and families whose homes and essential household items have been destroyed or damaged by a natural disaster. People with limited financial resources and no insurance may be eligible for assistance for essential household items and structural repairs to the home.

Inquiries about the disaster relief grants and the eligibility criteria may be made by contacting Community Services, Disaster Welfare Services on 1800 018 444. Website:www.community.nsw.gov.au