Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the assistance is being provided through the jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

“Inland NSW has been doing it tough with storms and flooding in June and July, and this helping hand will make a real difference,” he said.

Sixteen local government areas are expected to receive support, including Parkes, Bathurst, Bogan, Cabonne, Carrathool, Coonamble, Cowra, Forbes, Hilltops, Narromine, Oberon, Orange, Upper Lachlan and Warren.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, please 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 raa.nsw.gov.au.