Photo credit: Grant Schwartzkopff
From tomorrow, flood affected Riverland residents will be able to seek government support and assistance from a ‘one stop shop’ with the first Emergency Relief Centre to open in Berri.
The Centre, located at the Berri Senior Citizens Club, 9/12 Crawford Terrace, Berri, opens at 9am on Tuesday 29 November and will be open 9am to 5pm, seven days.
Residents, business owners and primary producers who are seeking access to elements of the State Government’s $51.6 million initial financial assistance package for River Murray communities are encouraged to attend the centre and discuss their circumstances with government agencies.
“This Emergency Relief Centre is for anyone whose main residence has been affected by the floods and in need of outreach services. This flood is slow moving so people affected in the community have time to plan now,” says Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook.
“Our strong advice is that people make plans for themselves, based on the likely impact to them. Our message remains – prepare now. Don’t wait. We know how stressful this situation is for the Riverland community and we are providing support and assistance while people remain unable to return home.”
The Relief Centre will also provide access to other services including:
- Accommodation assistance
- Red Cross
- Disaster and Recovery Ministries
- Foodbank
- Financial assistance
- Community outreach
- Other Community Service Organisations
People can attend in person or call the River Murray Flood Relief line on 1800 302 787.
The State Government’s $51.6 million package includes one-off Personal Hardship Emergency Grants, emergency accommodation assistance, business grants and tourism industry support.
The following support and grants are now available for business owners:
- Early Business Closure Grant – $10,000 for non-employing businesses and $20,000 for employing businesses forced to close or cease trading for at least 14 days prior to the flood event.
- Generator purchase grants of up to $4,000 for businesses that are switched off from the electricity grid.
- Financial counselling services for impacted small businesses. Business owners can apply now at business.sa.gov.au.
The State Government will continue to work with impacted communities and the Commonwealth Government to provide further assistance as required.
The Commonwealth Government has today activated Disaster Recovery Allowance payments for those who lose income due to the floods. Further information is available on the Services Australia website.
The nine local government areas eligible for disaster funding are Alexandrina Council, Berri Barmera Council, Coorong District Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray, District Council of Loxton Waikerie, Mid Murray Council, Murray Bridge Council, Pastoral Unincorporated Area and Renmark Paringa Council.
Other grants and supports are available including one-off Personal Hardship Emergency Grants of $400 for an individual, or up to $1,000 for a family.
“The resilience and grit of these communities is outstanding, and my thoughts are with the local community, business owners, employees, and volunteers,” says Minister for Small and Family Business, Andrea Michaels.
“Support for businesses include an early business closure grant to support businesses forced to close or cease trading prior to the flood, generator grants to help businesses who are switched off from the electricity grid, and financial counselling.
“If your business is impacted by the flooding emergency but these grants are not right for you, please still contact the Office for Small and Family Business to see what other support may be available – Small Business InfoLine: 8429 3801.”
For information visit sa.gov.au/floods or call the River Murray Flood Relief line on 1800 302 787.
People wanting more information on the River Murray flood event can call the SA SES flood and storm information line on 1800 362 361 anytime.
The SA SES will conduct a community meeting at the Renmark Greek Church Hall at 6pm on Thursday evening.
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