Following a visit to Condobolin by key members of government, a number of funding announcements have brought hope to the flood-ravaged communities within the Lachlan Shire.  

Financial support for severely affected community members, recovery grants and increased mental health support have all been identified by members of government as priority areas. 

The announcements were made after the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, the Hon. Steph Cooke MP Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, The Hon. Mark Coulton MP Member for Parkes and Roy Butler MP Member for Barwon, all visited Condobolin on Friday 25 November.  

"We saw first-hand the damage done to the road into Condobolin, and we were given a briefing by the NSW SES Condobolin Unit before taking a tour of some of the flooded areas," said Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP.  

"Well done to all the amazing emergency service workers, volunteers and the community who helped avert much of the disaster," he said.  

Support for Severely Affected Individuals  

To fast-track the recovery for severely affected community members such as those who have lost their home or who have been injured as a direct result of the flood disaster, Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton MP announced that the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment has now been activated for the Lachlan Shire.  

This means that flood-impacted individuals will be able to access a lump sum payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children.  

Premier Perrottet with an SES volunteer in Condobolin. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

"So many families remain isolated and will be for some time until the floodwaters recede, and farmers are facing millions of dollars' worth of crop damage," said Mark Coulton MP.  

"I was so pleased to be able to get to Condo to see some of the damage first hand and I'm now pleased that the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment has been activated for the Lachlan Local Government Area," he said.  

The Lachlan Shire now joins fifteen other eligible local government areas who have access to the lump sum payment to help those seriously affected by the current and ongoing New South Wales floods from 14 September 2022 through to November 2022.  

Barwon MP Roy Butler in Condobolin on Friday 25 November. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

Boost to Mental Health Support  

In addition to individual support for flood victims, Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government had increased the number of mental health clinicians and workers deployed in the State’s Central West, to provide support to flood ravaged communities. 

“We understand it has been an incredibly stressful and upsetting time for people in our flood affected towns and communities. We are committed to providing whatever support we can to help people who are doing it tough,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“Today I am also announcing an immediate funding boost for Lifeline Central West to increase its Rapid Response Program currently active on the ground, with six additional crisis counsellors, new vehicles and funding for fuel, and accommodation.” 

Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said plans are underway to expand the provision of ongoing support to communities throughout the long clean up, rebuilding and recovery process. 

“Additional mental health support staff are already in place in Parkes, Orange, Molong and Eugowra, to ensure the communities receive the care they need through the different stages of recovery,” Mrs Taylor said. 

Further Flood Recovery Support  

Flood-affected councils, small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits are also set to benefit from a wide range of additional support measures.  

An additional $1 million in funding to assist flood-affected councils with their recovery efforts was announced by Mr Coulton last week.  

"I have been working closely with all 18 impacted councils in my electorate, and each has a mammoth clean-up task ahead, particularly when it comes to repairing the number of roads damaged by flooding," said Mr Coulton.  

"I know this funding will help make a dent in road repairs." 

Mark Coulton MP speaking to locals and media in Condobolin. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

Meanwhile, recovery grants of up to $50,000 are also now available for small businesses and not-for-profits affected by the flooding to help them get back on their feet.  

Primary Producer Recovery Grants have also been increased from $25,000 to $75,000 and Rural Landholder Grants of up to $10,000 are now available for landholders impacted by flooding.   

While the recent funding announcements may appear substantial, they are just a drop in the water for communities who have been struggling to stay afloat.  

"It's going to take a long time for these communities to recover," said Mr Coulton.  

"There's still plenty of work to do and I will continue to advocate for assistance to be delivered to those who need it most," he said.  

For more information about flood related financial assistance, visit Services Australia or call 1800 22 26