Disaster Assistance extended following August snowstorm

26th Aug 2025

Disaster assistance has been extended to the Armidale region following the severe snowstorm that swept across the Northern Tablelands on 2 August, causing significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and services.
The Albanese and Minns Governments have included Armidale Regional Council in the latest expansion of the NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration, alongside Dungog, Port Stephens, Singleton, and Upper Hunter. These additions join the already declared areas of Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth, Uralla, and Walcha.
Support is being delivered under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), offering a range of financial assistance to residents, councils, small businesses, and primary producers affected by the storm.
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan welcomed the announcement, saying the inclusion of Armidale would ease the financial burden on both residents and the council.
“Armidale has now been declared eligible for disaster assistance, which will greatly assist council with the cost of the clean-up,” Mr Moylan said.
“The declaration also means low-income, uninsured residents can access support to replace essential household items and undertake vital structural repairs to make their homes safe again.”
Support available under the DRFA includes:
• Emergency assistance for temporary accommodation and essential needs.
• Grants for uninsured, low-income residents to replace household items or repair homes.
• Financial assistance for local councils to restore damaged public infrastructure.
• Concessional loans of up to $130,000 for small businesses, primary producers, and not-for-profits.
• Freight subsidies of up to $15,000 for primary producers to transport livestock and fodder.
While Mr Moylan expressed concern that grants have not been extended to primary producers and local organisations, he acknowledged the assistance as a positive step.
“Although it is disappointing the government has not taken the step of offering grants to primary producers, businesses and community groups, it is reassuring there is some sort of support available.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the government acted quickly to support communities impacted by the widespread damage.
“The Minns Government has worked closely with the Australian Government to activate support which will meet immediate community needs and support the significant clean-up efforts now underway,” Ms Saffin said.
For more information and to apply for assistance, visit www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

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Disaster Assistance extended following August snowstorm

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