There’s no other way to describe the events of the last few days than to say we’re experiencing a devastating situation. If you’re lucky enough to be out of harm’s way, please do what you can to help those in need.

If you have been directly impacted, places where you can access support are outlined below. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need as now is not the time to stand back.

Queensland Financial Support Disaster Recovery Payment

Queenslanders in eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) can apply for Services Australia’s Disaster Assistance with further flood affected local government areas in QLD and NSW expected to be added. Check if your LGA has been added here.

NSW State Support

Financial support has been announced by the NSW State Government for Northern New South Wales local government areas of Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.

NSW residents affected by the severe weather and storms may be eligible for a disaster relief grant. For a list of local government areas where disaster declarations have been made, visit Natural disaster declarations.

You may also call 13 77 88 and ask about the disaster relief grant administered by Resilience NSW.

NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) has already prepared a complete range of resources for fast access to information on:

Federal Disaster Recovery Allowance – Phone line: 180 22 66

The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) payment provides $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. It is a one-off, non-means tested short-term income payment to assist employees and small business persons who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.

Rabobank support

Rabobank has announced a range of support measures that will be offered to its farming clients adversely impacted by floods and extreme rainfall in the NSW Northern Rivers and Queensland South-East regions.

Rabobank will work directly with individual clients whose farms or agribusinesses have been affected, to provide support and offer a range of assistance measures in applicable circumstances, including:

  • Deferral of scheduled loan payments;
  • Waiver of break costs on early redemption of farm management deposits;
  • Waiver of fees on loan increases necessary for rebuilding operations; and
  • Waiver of fees for equipment finance contract variations.

Any farming clients who have been adversely impacted by the floods and have not yet spoken to the bank should contact their local branch or phone Rabobank on 1800 025 484.

Our thoughts are with all affected communities and members of the industry at this time. We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

Stay safe everyone!

About the author

Debra Beck-Mewing is the Editor of the Property Portfolio Magazine and CEO of The Property Frontline.  She has more than 20 years’ experience in buying property Australia-wide and has extensive experience in helping buyers use a range of strategies including renovating, granny flats, sub-division and development. Debra is a skilled property strategist, and a master in identifying tailored opportunities, homes and sourcing properties that have multiple uses.  She is a Qualified Property Investment Advisor, licensed real estate agent and also holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business. As a passionate advocate for increasing transparency in the property and wealth industries, Debra is a popular speaker on these topics.  She is also an author, podcast host, and participates on numerous committees including the Property Owners’ Association.

Follow us on facebook.com/ThePropertyFrontline for regular updates, or book in for a strategy session to discuss your property questions. 

Disclaimer – This information is of a general nature only and does not constitute professional advice.  We strongly recommend you seek your own professional advice in relation to your particular circumstances. 

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