NSW Mid North Coast Floods Kill Two, Activate Disaster Recovery Allowance

Residents in four local government areas of New South Wales' Mid North Coast—Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Dungog, and the Mid Coast Council—affected by severe flooding can now access the federal Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), which provides up to 13 weeks of financial support to cover lost income. Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain emphasized the allowance aims to help employees, small business owners, and farmers who are unable to work due to flood impacts, though details on payment amounts and timing remain unconfirmed. The allowance will be distributed through Services Australia, requiring affected individuals to create a MyGov account to claim the support. Tragically, the floods have resulted in fatalities and missing persons, with emergency services expecting further heavy rainfall and flooding in the region. The federal and state governments have activated disaster assistance for 16 local government areas in the Hunter and Mid North Coast. McBain noted the situation remains dynamic, and the government is prepared to provide additional assistance if needed.