Ballina Shire businesses, farmers and not-for-profits impacted by Cyclone Alfred earlier this year are now eligible for disaster recovery grants of up to $25,000.

The new support package, jointly funded by the state and federal governments, was announced this week as part of an expanded response to flooding across New South Wales — including the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers.

Ballina is among dozens of local government areas now eligible, with the package aimed at helping small businesses, primary producers and community organisations clean up and get back on their feet.

One of the standout measures for Ballina Shire is a $5 million program to support private landholders in clearing rural drains, which have become a major headache for local cane farmers following flooding.

NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin said many local primary producers had been doing it tough since Alfred went through 

“This is about making sure that communities get the helping hand they need right now and the support they need so they can begin the long journey to recovery,” the Lismore MP said.

“We will keep working closely with our people in local governments, service providers and community organisations to ensure support reaches those who need it most.’

What’s Included

Grants are available to:

• Small businesses and not-for-profits with fewer than 20 employees: up to $25,000 for clean-up and recovery
  
• Primary producers: up to $25,000 to restore operations
  
• Rural landholders: up to $10,000 for repairs to fences, infrastructure or equipment
  
• Affected individuals: $180 hardship payments, capped at $900 per household
  
• Drainage restoration: $5 million to clear flood-affected private drains
  

Cyclone Alfred struck in late February causing widespread waterlogging, damage to crops and infrastructure, and contributing to a major fish kill in the Richmond River system.

The new funding was made available under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and reflects increasing recognition of the long-term recovery needs in Ballina and surrounding shires.

How to Apply

Full details on how to apply will be published at www.nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates in coming days. Affected landholders and businesses should prepare a damage assessment and lodge their applications through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority at www.raa.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1800 678 593.