Concessional interest rate loans of up to $130000 are available for people in parts of the Federation, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Edward River and Berrigan local government areas.
NSW Rural Assistance Authority chief executive Kate Lorimer-Ward said the region experienced a high intensity storm cell with large hailstones, damaging wind gusts and heavy rain that caused severe damage to the agricultural sector.
‘‘The severe storm caused over $1.4million of damage to stock, crops, pasture, milled grain and infrastructure including fencing, irrigation equipment, sheds and silos,’’ Ms Lorimer-Ward said.
‘‘It is estimated that at least 578 properties have been partially or totally impacted across an estimated area of 249000ha.
‘‘The clean-up continues and this assistance will help affected farmers get back on their feet.’’
The declaration of an Agricultural Natural Disaster enables primary producers to access assistance measures, including loans and transport subsidies from the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.
The loans of up to $130000 can be used for essential working capital replacement and repair of damage caused to the property and associated improvements.
Transport freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent of the cost of transporting fodder to an affected property and stock to or from agistment are also available. The maximum subsidy available is $15000 a year.
■Producers can phone the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit: www.raa.nsw.gov.au for more information or to apply for assistance.
