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A new $182.2 million funding package for housing assistance has been announced to help people in New South Wales who have become displaced or homeless because of the recent floods.
- The funding will be provided jointly by the federal and NSW governments
- The government says the package will target the 17 most highly impacted local government areas
- Just under $40 million will go to helping clean up properties damaged by floods
It includes grants of up to $20,000 to support people to repair their homes and replace essential items, and also up to 16 weeks of rental support payments for affected households.
There will also be just under $60 million for a "caravan and modular-housing program" for the Central West region, to "secure medium-term housing and extend the at-home caravan program".
"This package is aimed at 17 of the most highly impacted local government areas around Australia, around the region — in particular, in that western and south-western New South Wales region," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
"My government will continue to work with state and territory governments and local government at this difficult time."
The money will be jointly funded by the federal and NSW governments and go specifically to programs and grants to provide, or help people pay for, emergency housing.
Mr Albanese also noted the flood peaks that were expected in South Australia between Boxing Day and New Year's, and the cyclone warning in the Northern Territory.
"So while this is a time for celebration, it's also a time many people will find difficult," he said.
"At this time of the year, people will go through a reliving of the difficult period, whether it be the loss of loved ones, many people do feel isolated.
"This is an opportunity for people to reach out to their neighbours, to reach out to their communities, and to engage and make sure that no-one feels alone at this important time."