HAIL DAMAGE: 24 JANUARY 2017

Disaster assistance now available for parts of Central West and Western NSW

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has announced that primary producers within parts of the central west of NSW, who were affected by hail storms in November 2016, can now access Agricultural Natural Disaster Relief Assistance.

The hail storms caused more than $9 million worth of damage to horticulture, agriculture and grazing enterprises in parts of the Lachlan, Gilgandra, Warren, Parkes and Narromine local government areas, with more than 30 properties reportedly affected.

The DPI lists the following parishes as impacted:

Within Lachlan LGA: Tarrata, Mickimill, Cavendish, Dandaloo, Bumbaldry, Gindoono, Tinda, Burra, Wilmatha, Boona East, Corella, Boona West, Mowabla, Jerula, Tout, Greenock, Cunningham, Kennedy, Greenock, Mount Nobby.

Within Gilgandra LGA: Kickabil, Milpulling, Balladoran, Drillwarrina.

Within Narromine LGA: The Oaks, Gradell, Graddle, Enerweena, Gilmour, Caloma, Cullen, Biridoo.

Within Parkes LGA: Belardery, Tanilogo, Stanley, Bentinck.

Within Warren LGA: Wambianna, Killendoon, Beemunnel.

The assistance comes in the form of loans of up to $130,000, at 1.16 per cent interest per annum, with a two-year interest-and-repayment-free period. The low interest loans provide for replacement or repairs to property and farm infrastructure as well as for essential working capital required to continue farming operations for the next 12 months.

Producers are urged to apply for assistance via the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA). Potential applicants can contact the RAA toll-free on 1800 678 593 or visit raa.nsw.gov.au

Based on media release issued by NSW Department of Primary Industries.