Bushfire Recovery Assistance

 

Information from NSW Office of Emergency Management

Bushfire Assistance Recovery information can be downloaded here.(DOCX, 68KB)

A range of assistance measures are available to support people affected by bushfires. These are aimed at providing for immediate and short term needs, to support recovery from the bushfires across NSW.

Please note, a number of these measures have eligibility requirements.

Bushfire Industry Recovery Package

The NSW Government has released details on its $140m Bushfire Industry Recovery Package. Targeted grants will be available to help the forestry, horticulture, apiculture, aquaculture, viticulture and dairy industries retain and create jobs and support them to rebuild, recover and regrow. Funding will be available in two streams:

  • Supply chain support grants to help cover the cost of resuming and maintaining production, and
  • Sector development grants to support projects focusing on job creation and that increase value-add production, support supply-chain efficiencies, product diversification and market expansion

Applications are now open. For more information, including how to apply, important deadlines, program guidelines and eligibility criteria, please visit www.nsw.gov.au/bushfire-industry-recovery-package

 

Immediate emergency assistance – can be accessed through Evacuation Centres and Disaster Welfare Assistance Points.

T: 1800 018 444 or visit www.emergency.nsw.gov.au.

 

Emergency Temporary Accommodation short term housing support.

Contact the Housing Contact Centre on T: 1800 422 322.

 

Clean-up assistance – for the removal and disposal of residential bush fire debris including asbestos, concrete slabs and dangerous trees.

  • Insured home owners – contact your insurance company or the Insurance Council of Australia on T: 1800 734 621.
  • Uninsured home owners – contact Public Works Advisory on T: 1800 885 539.

 

Animal Welfare – provision of emergency fodder, stock water and stock assessment.

Contact Local Land Services on T: 1800 814 647.


Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Payment
– $1,000 per adult and $400 per child for people severely affected by bushfires.

Contact Human Services on T: 180 22 66.

 

Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Allowance – short term income assistance for people severely affected by bushfires.

Contact Human Services on T: 180 22 66.

 

NSW Government Disaster Relief Grants – financial assistance for eligible individuals who have low income and limited assets.

Contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on T: 1800 018 444.

 

Primary Producer assistance – up to $15,000 recovery grants (33 LGAs only), concessional loans and transport subsidies for eligible primary producers.

Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on T: 1800 678 593.

 

Small Business assistance – up to $15,000 recovery grants (33 LGAs only), and concessional loans for eligible small businesses.

Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on T: 1800 678 593.

Small Business Bushfire Financial Counselling Support Line T: 1800 413 828.

Small Business Bushfire Financial Counselling Media Release(PDF, 345KB)

Legal assistance – Legal Aid can provide free assistance on issues such as insurance policies, employment, tenancy, credit and debt.  

Contact LawAccess NSW on T: 1300 888 529.

 

Potable Water Assistance – replacement of potable water for residents not on town water supply where RFS has taken water or contaminated roofs with fire retardant.

Contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on T: 1800 018 444.

 

Mental health and wellbeing assistance – 24/7 assistance for individuals.

Mental Health Line - T: 1800 011 511

Beyond Blue - T: 1300 224 636

Lifeline - T: 13 11 14

Mensline - T: 1300 789 978

Kids Helpline - T: 1800 551 800

If someone is in immediate danger, T: 000

 

Farm Gate Counsellors – farmers and business owners in bushfire affected areas can access Farm Gate counsellors and peer support workers.

Contact the Mental Health Line on T: 1800 011 511.

 

Volunteer Firefighters’ Financial Support – payments for eligible volunteer firefighters who are self-employed or employed by a small or medium business and have lost income.

Contact Service NSW at www.service.nsw.gov.au.

 

Sporting club assistance – concessional loans for eligible sporting clubs.

Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on T: 1800 678 593.

 

Church and non-profit organisation assistance – up to $15,000 recovery grants (33 LGAs only) concessional loans for eligible churches and non-profit organisations.

Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on T: 1800 678 593.

 

Motor vehicle stamp duty relief financial assistance for eligible motorists whose cars have been written off as a result of bushfires.

Contact the Office of State Revenue on T: 1300 139 814.

 

Replacement of documents – free replacement of licences, permits and certificates, including birth, marriage and change of name certificates and NSW Fair Trading permits and licences

Contact Service NSW on T: 13 77 88.

 

Waste disposal the levy for waste disposal has been waived in bushfire affected LGAs.

Contact your local council for more information. 

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