Federal Government disaster assistance has been activated for areas affected by last week’s severe weather in Newcastle and surrounding areas.

Immediate assistance is available to a number of affected local government areas across NSW including Newcastle, Port Stephens and Maitland.

“The increased frequency of severe storms and natural disasters in recent years has taken its toll on many in our community. Our community and essential services have often been stretched to their limits but our strong resolve to help one another in times of need has never let us down,” Ms Claydon said.

“While we continue to endure this period of extreme weather, the support that has now been made available by the Federal Government is much needed and most welcome,” Ms Claydon said.

Eligible individuals and families can access assistance to meet their immediate needs for food, clothing and emergency accommodation.

Other assistance available under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements include:

• assistance to help councils in the affected local government areas with the costs associated with cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;
• concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations;
• freight subsidies for primary producers; and
• grants to not-for-profit organisations.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan, grant or freight subsidy, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

Information on disaster assistance available for this natural disaster can be found on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au  and the Emergency NSW website at  www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/emergency-events/severe-weather/