Category D support now available for primary producers

ADDITIONAL support has been announced for primary producers in New South Wales affected by the extreme flooding event from 18 May 2025.

This funding is provided under Category D of the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

The package will be available through grants administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority that enable eligible primary producers to access up to $75,000 in assistance.

Eligible primary producers can apply for grants of up to $75,000 to assist with:

● Clean-up and debris removal

● Repairing damaged infrastructure and equipment

● Restocking and replanting

● Replacing lost or damaged assets

● Restoring operations to pre-disaster levels

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said, “This additional funding means farmers can focus on rebuilding and getting back to work without the weight of financial uncertainty holding them back.

“Recovery is never one size fits all, and this support will give farmers the flexibility to address the unique challenges they’re facing on the ground.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin told NOTA, “I’ve seen how hard the floods have been on our farmers on the Mid North Coast and in the Hunter.

“I know that the wait while we put our application (for category D funding) together has been a tough one, but we have been successful.

“This means local producers who’ve lost feed livestock and vital infrastructure continue to get the help they need to recover and rebuild.”

The announcement follows weeks of advocacy from flood-affected residents, Councils, politicians, local leaders, and community groups.

Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said the announcement is a “step toward giving our producers the support they should have received weeks ago”.

“Many of our producers lost fencing, crops, machinery and livestock.

“It’s taken too long – but today, we’re finally seeing real, practical support for primary producers.”

While primary producers can now access the extended grants program, small business funding was not included in the Category D announcement.

“The question however is what about small businesses across the region?” Ms Penfold asked.

“Where is their additional support?

“They’ve been crying out for help too alongside our primary producers.

“I’m shocked that the NSW State Government’s request did not include support for small businesses.

“Small business is the backbone of our community and they too need additional support to get back on their feet.

“I will continue to advocate and work for them and our community – from the Hastings to the Hunter and all places in between – to ensure we get the full package of recovery and rebuilding support that our small businesses and our communities need.”