2022 flood recovery

This page is dedicated to providing as much information as possible regarding the major flood event of February 2022.

Industry survey for flood impacted businesses

Request for clean-up assistance and essential items

If you have been affected by the recent storms and floods, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) can assist with clean up and essential items (such as food, water and medication).

Register here

Roads

Once the flood waters have reduced, cleaning can begin. Considering the amount of water, compared to previous events , this clean up and repair will be lengthy.

First, the flood mud will be removed with a small fleet of graders with brushes working simultaneously. Once the mud is removed, the road will be inspected for pavement damage, repaired and resealed. Because the flood has been significantly bigger and water has stayed longer than ever before, we anticipate damage to culverts as well.

Public safety is paramount, and we need to ensure the road is in a safe condition before opening to traffic.

Keeps up to date on roads closures on NSW Live Traffic

Available grants

There are a number of grants currently available to assist residents, businesses, primary producers, non-profit organisations and sporting groups. 

  • Disaster Relief Grants are available through Resilience NSW. This can cover emergency food, clothing and accommodation, repair or replacement of essential furniture and personal effects, and essential repairs to housing to a habitable condition. To apply for this, phone 13 77 88 and ask for the Disaster Relief Grant administered by Resilience NSW.

  • The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is an ongoing payment for a maximum of 13 weeks. This is up to $677 per fortnight, depending on your personal circumstances.
    To claim the Disaster Recovery Allowance, click this link: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/northern-nsw-floods...
    If you require support to claim, call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

  • The Disaster Recovery Payment is $1000 per adult and $400 per child.
    To claim the Disaster Recovery Payment click this link: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/northern-nsw-floods...

  • The Back Home grant will support renters and homeowners in eligible local government areas highly impacted by the February to March 2022 floods. The grant will provide up to $20,000 for households who are unable to claim insurance.

  • Grants for small businesses - up to $50,000 is available to cover costs including repairing damaged fittings and equipment and replacing stock. Call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/.../storm-and-flood... to register.

  • Grants for non-profit organisations - up to $50,000 is available to cover costs including repairing damaged fittings and equipment and replacing stock. Call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/.../storm-and-flood... to register.

  • Grants for primary producers - up to $75,000 is available to cover costs including repairing damaged fencing and equipment, replacing livestock, salvaging crops and restoring fields. This will be available through the Rural Assistance Authority, to apply call 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/storm-and-flood-programs

  • St Vincent de Paul Society is offering financial assistance of up to $3,000 depending on the level of damage, the size of the family, and insurance status. Click here to apply: https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Find_Help/NSW/Disaster_Recovery

  • Tenant's Advice & Advocacy Service: https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-22-disaster-damage

  • 2022 Floods: Artist Bursary Application - Grafton Regional Gallery is providing financial assistance to 10 emerging and local artists residing in the Clarence Valley. Funding will be provided to assist with restoring or replacing artist supplies that may have been lost or damaged during the March 2022 floods and will be awarded on a needs basis. Please email gallery@clarence.nsw.gov.au for an application form or drop into the Gallery Store.

  • The Australian Taxation Office has also announced support including extra time to pay tax or lodge tax returns, activity statements or other obligations, and are prioritising any refunds owed to you. For more information, click here: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Support-in-difficult-times/

Managing waste

Once floodwater recede, begin the drying out the house process. 

Mould or mildew may develop if items are not completely dried. Mould or mildew may be removed with household bleach, however the strength of the product may ruin some household items. Wear a mask when working with heavy mould.

To help with the clean up from the flood, we are accepting all flood waste at the Grafton landfill and Maclean waste transfer station at no cost.
- Self Haul flood waste to the Grafton Landfill is available 
- Self haul flood waste to Maclean Transfer Station is available for residential trailers only


 

Do you need support?

The effects of a flood can be felt long after the waters have receded. Check in on your friends and neighbours, and if you or someone you know needs help, reach out. The following are free services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

Useful websites and factsheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

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