More Bushfire Recovery Support for the Central Coast

Bushfire-affected areas of the Central Coast will be able to rebuild and recover thanks to an immediate payment of $100,000 from the NSW Government to Central Coast Council.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said Mangrove Mountain and the surrounding area was impacted by the Three Mile Fire in December.

“The immediate payment of $100,000 is intended to be quick and flexible in order to kickstart the social and economic recovery of areas like Mangrove Mountain,” Mr Crouch said.

“Council can use this funding straight away to provide recovery support services, local industry recovery events, or neighbourhood and community strengthening activities.

“We know that this is just one step in a long journey to support communities.”

Member of the Legislative Council Taylor Martin said small businesses could also apply for a suite of financial assistance packages from the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

“The financial support includes grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses directly affected by bushfire, a Bushfire Working Capital Loan of up to $50,000 and low interest loans of up to $500,000 to eligible small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits in bushfire-affected council areas,” Mr Martin said.

The financial assistance includes:

1. Small Business Grants

The Commonwealth Government announced on 20 January a Small Business Bushfire Recovery Package that included recovery grants, concessional loans, a Small Business Financial Support Line, Local Economic Recovery Plans and tax relief. Those small businesses who have already accessed up to $15,000 under the existing Small Business Grants scheme can now apply for additional funds, bringing the total available to $50,000.

The assistance is being provided through the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements between the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

The grant is being administered through Service NSW and is available to eligible, fire-affected small businesses within Category C declared Local Government Areas (LGAs) since 31 August 2019, which includes the Central Coast.

For more information on eligibility criteria and to register to apply for the grant, go to: www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-small-business-bushfire-recovery-grant.

1. Bushfire Working Capital and Recovery Loans

The Bushfire Working Capital Loan is up to $50,000 and is specifically designed to provide an immediate injection of money to help return and continue business operations by covering salaries or wages, rebuilding infrastructure and purchase of goods and services. Its terms are up to five years, with a two year interest free and repayment free period.

The larger Bushfire Recovery Loan of up to $500,000 is over 10 years, with a two-year interest free and payment free period. It is available for significantly larger investments where required.

The loans are jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Applications and details are online via the NSW Rural Assistance Authority. For more information, go to: www.raa.nsw.gov.au.