Residents and business operators impacted by torrential wind and rain which lashed the city earlier this week, will be able to apply for assistance after Maitland was included on the State's natural disaster declaration list.
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Maitland is one of 56 local government areas eligible for assistance from the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud who is responsible for Commonwealth disaster assistance, said the severe weather caused major disruptions to the community, threatened life and property.
Assistance under the DRFA may include: help for people whose homes or belongings have been damaged; support for local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets; concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; freight subsidies for primary producers and grants to eligible non-profit organisations.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said the declaration will help many people in the electorate whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by violent storms.
"Thunderstorms, high winds, flash flooding and torrential rain caused significant damage to parts of Maitland, including private residences in Metford and East Maitland, the East Maitland Little Athletics Metford facilities, Hunter Valley Grammar School, businesses and vehicles," Ms Aitchison said.
"My office has received many calls and messages from people whose homes and livelihoods have been affected. Some of their properties were uninhabitable due to Monday's storm event and I was able to work with them to assist in securing temporary emergency accommodation."
Ms Aitchison said that people who were uninsured or in receipt of low income might also be eligible for personal hardship and distress assistance.
"I am hopeful that today's declaration will provide the support and relief that people need to recover," Ms Aitchison said.
"Maitland people who are doing it tough in the wake of these violent storms can contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444, while people who wish to apply for a loan or grant should contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593."
With further storm warnings in place, Ms Aitchison is encouraging anyone who has been affected by the recent weather events to contact her office ASAP on 4933 1617. For more information, please visit:www.raa.nsw.gov.auwww.disaster assist.gov.auwww.emergency.nsw.gov.au
