People in Goulburn Mulwaree who have been adversely affected or lost income as a direct result of the recent bushfires may be eligible for financial assistance.
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The federal government announced on Thursday that Goulburn Mulwaree, Cootamundra Gundagai, Oberon Wagga Wagga and Tweed had been added to the list of council areas that may qualify for the Disaster Recovery Payment.
It is a one-off non-means tested payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who have been injured, or for people whose home has been significantly damaged or destroyed as a result of the bushfires.
Children under the age of 16 could also be eligible for the Additional Payment for Children, a Services Australia spokesman said. This is a one-off payment of $400 per child,
The Disaster Recovery Allowance is a short term payment if people have lost income as a direct result of the fires. It's equivalent to the maximum rate of Newstart or Youth Allowance.
Claims can be made before August 4 by calling 180 22 66.
Meantime, the state government has announced six months of council rates relief for anyone who has lost their home or small business in the recent bushfires.
Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman said it was a way of helping communities rebuild and recover.
"People who lost their homes in the Goulburn electorate will not have to pay rates on a home which has been lost in the fires," she said.
"The last thing our residents need right now is more financial stress, which is why the government is doing everything to ease the pressure by funding council rates and picking up the bill for the clean-up, at no cost to owners.
"This also means that the $300,000 Wingecarribee Shire Council allocated to rate relief for properties with homes completely destroyed can be allocated to another worthwhile project."
She said the government would work to cut red tape and ease the financial burden for people who had lost their homes.
The government will cover the full cost of council rates for the third and fourth quarters of this financial year for residents and farmers who have lost their homes, and business owners whose properties have been destroyed beyond repair by bushfires.
Affected residents that have lost their homes and small businesses will soon be able to take their council rates notice to a Service NSW centre and the Government will cover the cost. Anyone who has already paid their rates will receive a refund.
Anyone needing bushfire assistance is encouraged to call 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au
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