BYRON SHIRE Mayor Simon Richardson has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that Federal funding would be made available to flood affected small businesses, primary producers and non-for-profit organisations in Byron Shire.
Mayor Richardson said the $10,000 funding for eligible businesses would assist those flood affected to rebuild.
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“Flood waters do not recognise shire boundaries and Council has worked tirelessly to get this message through to the attention of the Australian Government.
“We are grateful for today’s funding announcement and thank the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC and Tamara Smith MP for their continued support in bringing to the attention of Federal Minsters, the hardship faced by many in our communities.
“However, unfortunately we’ve still not heard about Australian Government disaster recovery funding for individuals and families.
“The immediate release of this Federal funding would have gone a long way in helping our residents following the flood event. Council will continue to ask for this funding – we’ve not given up,” he said.
Mayor Richardson also reaffirmed that Council and staff were continuing to talk with flood affected residents and businesses.
“In gathering all the information on what happened, what went wrong and what worked, we will be able build a stronger response and recovery plan for the next event whether it be flood, fire or a health emergency,” he said.
Recovery grants of up to $10,000 are now available for small businesses in Tumbulgum, Billinudgel, Burringbar. The additional support also includes surrounding buffer zones: Dulguigan, Mullumbimby, Ocean Shores, The Pocket, Crabbes Creek, Upper Burringbar, Mooball and Stoker’s Siding.
Recovery grants are now also available to eligible industry specific primary producers in Ballina, Byron, Kyogle and Richmond Valley of either $15,000 or $10,000, including primary producers in banana, beef, macadamia, passionfruit, sugar cane and soybean industries.
To apply for a recovery grant, flood affected primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations should contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit raa.nsw.gov.au.