NSW Farmers President James Jackson has thanked the state and federal governments for listening to calls for additional natural disaster declarations.
Disaster assistance is now available in 13 additional local government areas of Blayney, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Cabonne, Cobar, Gilgandra, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Narrabri, Port Macquarie Hastings, Upper Hunter, Warrumbungle and Weddin.
"This will no doubt come as a relief to many farmers and rural communities who have been seriously impacted by this rain and flooding," Mr Jackson said.
"Minister McKenzie and Minister Elliott are to be commended for listening to the community and extending these natural disaster declarations.
"While there is still substantial rain on the radar for the weekend and no doubt many will be closely watching flood levels, this announcement will give some assurance that recovery and rebuilding can begin once the waters recede."
South Australia
Disaster recovery grants of up to $10,000 will be available to South Australian primary producers affected by severe spring storms which have recently hit the state.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said hail, strong winds and heavy rainfall caused significant damage to crops and farm infrastructure across South Australia.
“The severe weather devastated horticulture and farming properties from the Eyre Peninsula right across South Australia to the Victorian border,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Without the right support, the storm’s widespread impact on the farming sector could mean production and viability disruption well beyond the current season. The disaster recovery grants will provide short-term targeted assistance to help impacted growers get back to business as soon as possible. The grants can be used for essential recovery and reinstatement activities including clean-up and debris removal, salvaging crops and repairs to damaged farm infrastructure and equipment.”
For more information: 
Stephen Mudd
NSW Farmers
Tel.: +61 0429 011 690
Email: mudds@nswfarmers.org.au