ADDITIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR PRIMARY PRODUCERS FOLLOWING EAST COAST SEVERE WEATHER

Additional support has been announced for Primary Producers in New South Wales affected by the East Coast Severe Weather event from 18 May 2025. 

This funding is provided under Category D of the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.   

The package will be available through grants administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority that enable eligible primary producers to access up to $75,000 in assistance. 

Eligible primary producers can apply for grants of up to $75,000 to assist with:  

• Clean-up and debris removal 
• Repairing damaged infrastructure and equipment 
• Restocking and replanting 
• Replacing lost or damaged assets 
• Restoring operations to pre-disaster levels  

These grants are designed to support rapid recovery and help producers return to business as quickly as possible.   

Support is available to primary producers in declared disaster areas under AGRN 1212, covering regions impacted by the East Coast flooding in May. Affected Local Government Areas (LGAs) are listed on the NSW Disaster Assistance website.  

Primary producers may also be eligible for other DRFA measures, including: 

• Emergency hardship payments for individuals and households 
• Disaster Recovery Allowance and lump sum payments via Services Australia 
• Disaster loans for farmers through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority  

The East Coast severe weather event caused widespread damage across NSW, including the loss of livestock, destruction of fencing and crops and significant infrastructure damage. 

This funding aims to provide immediate and practical support to help producers recover and rebuild.  

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:  

“Our primary producers are the backbone of regional Australia, and we’re making sure they have the support they need to bounce back stronger from this disaster. 

“This additional funding means farmers can focus on rebuilding and getting back to work without the weight of financial uncertainty holding them back. 

“Recovery is never one size fits all, and this support will give farmers the flexibility to address the unique challenges they’re facing on the ground. 

“We know the damage has been severe and the recovery will take time but we’re standing shoulder to shoulder with affected communities every step of the way.” 

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins: 

“These grants will help with clean up and recovery costs for New South Wales farmers and I know it is critical support. 

“Grants like this can make all the difference helping farmers get back on their feet, faster. 

“We know the terrible impact this disaster has had on farmers which is why this additional support is so important.” 

Quotes attributable to the NSW Premier Chris Minns:  

“This is important support to help farmers get back on their feet. 

“We knew more support would be needed, and we are pleased the Commonwealth Government has agreed to our request. 

“This will help farmers clean up, rebuild, and keep producing for our state.” 

Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:  

“We have seen the destructive impact of the floods and talked with dairy, oyster and other farmers who have being doing it tough. This decision, with the Commonwealth, again shows our commitment to helping farmers get their businesses back to producing great produce.” 

“I urge primary producers to contact the Rural Assistance Authority as soon as they can and get an application in for this additional assistance.” 

Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:  

“I’ve seen how hard the floods have been on our farmers on the mid north coast and in the Hunter. I know that the wait while we put our application together has been a tough one, but we have been successful. 

“It’s great news that our application for category D funding has been successful. This means local producers who’ve lost feed livestock and vital infrastructure continue to get the help they need to recover and rebuild.”