A RUN of erratic weather and storms has resulted in an announcement of disaster relief funding for southern NSW.
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The move follows on from damaging storms which crossed the state wiping out crops and infrastructure.
Storm activity arrived on the back of the wettest winter in 30 years and high rainfall was recorded throughout the Riverina in spring too.
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair, has announced Agricultural Natural Disaster Relief for eligible primary producers within parts of south-west and western NSW to assist the areas which were affected by a severe weather event last month.
Mr Blair said heavy hail and strong wind gusts in excess of 100 km/h hit producers hard on November 11.
“The storm caused more than $34 million of damage to irrigated horticulture, aquaculture, dryland agriculture and rangeland grazing enterprises,” Mr Blair said.
“The storm resulted in significant damage to crops, grazing and farm infrastructure.”
Agricultural Natural Disaster Relief Assistance is available for producers within parts of the:
- Central Darling,
- Wentworth,
- Broken Hill and
- Balranald Local Government Areas
- and part of the unincorporated area of western NSW.
Affected farmers can apply for loans at 1.16 per cent interest per annum, with a two year interest and repayment free period.
The low-interest loans of up to $130,000 can be used to cover replacement or repairs to property and farm infrastructure which was damaged during the storm.
Farmers can also apply for transport freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent on the carriage of livestock and fodder as part of the relief assistance.
Meanwhile, southern NSW was whipped by more storm activity this week which stopped harvest in many parts.
The thunder and lightening – and heavy rain – arrived on Monday evening.
Affected primary producers can contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) for eligibility criteria on 1800 678 593 or visit
- www.therural.com.au
