With more LGA's added to the eligibility list, flood-impacted medium-size businesses across the central west can now apply for up to $200,000 in government support.

“From Dubbo to Bourke and Wentworth to Wagga Wagga, the Medium Business Support Grant will deliver more support and security for businesses and communities across the central west and southern NSW to reopen or continue operating through the recovery process," Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said.

“We know how badly regional communities have been impacted by storms and floods and this grant will complement the support already available to small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations and help get local economies moving again.”

The Medium Business Support Grant is available to business and non-profit organisations with more than 20 and less than 200 full-time equivalent employees who were directly impacted by storms and floods from August to September 2022.

Funds can be used to help offset the costs of recovery and re-establishing a business, including for safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock or leasing temporary space.

The Medium Business Support Grant will be available in the Western Plains local government areas (LGAs) of Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Narrabri, Walgett, Warren, and Warrumbungle.

“The NSW Government is committed to the long-term recovery of flood-affected communities and the $200,000 Medium Business Support Grant will help ensure these businesses bounce back stronger than ever," NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said “Service NSW business concierge staff will be proactively reaching out to business owners to provide support with applications and help ensure funds are provided where they are needed as quickly as possible.”

With new support available due to the expansion of the grant to an additional 31 flood-affected LGA's, Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt encouraged businesses to apply

“We know that these businesses play an important role in driving regional economies. Supporting them to get back up and running as soon as possible will benefit the broader community. This support is now available, and we encourage businesses to apply,” he said.