May 1, 2025 – The NSW Government has today declared disaster assistance and recovery support is now available for those impacted by recent flooding in the Brewarrina Shire.

The assistance measures, announced by the Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, and provided by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), includes:

• Assistance for impacted residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said the recovery support was a welcome relief for the region, particularly for those on the land, who have described having water at levels and in places not ever seen before.

“The devastating flow of water from QLD we’ve seen over the past six weeks has been quite incredible. Although our towns and villages escaped the full brunt, our farming community has been hit particularly hard, as have our roads,” said Mr Kirby.

“While the water is receding, the full extent of the impact is still being assessed. This support will unlock additional assistance for those in our region who have been impacted, helping them to rebuild and recover, while also assisting Council in essential repairs to our road network and public assets,” concluded Mr Kirby.

The NSW SES, NSW Reconstruction Authority and other services are on the ground assessing impacts and providing support.

To apply for a concessional loan or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au