Assistance for agricultural processing businesses to re-establish operations following the February and March 2022 floods continues, with round 2 of the $22 million Supply Chain Support Program now open for applications.
Businesses in 62 local government areas are eligible, with support available to help long-term recovery efforts.
The program is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said support is available to rebuild, repair and improve the resilience of eligible first receivers and processors, or harvesters of primary produce that operate within the fisheries, horticulture and agriculture sectors.
“Round 1 of the Supply Chain Support Program has already helped to repair premises and support employers to keep their employees in jobs at multiple flood-impacted operations across NSW, including dairies, distilleries and seafood suppliers,” Minister Watt said.
“Under round 2 of the Supply Chain Support Program, eligible businesses and cooperatives that experienced direct flood damage can apply for up to $2 million to support projects such as the replacement of damaged plant and machinery, for business and product diversification, or for transporting product from outside the area.
“Processing businesses and cooperatives indirectly impacted by floods through major supply chain disruptions can apply for up to $250,000.”
Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said the NSW Government is making sure no one is being left behind, including those who work to get our agricultural products from paddock to plate.
“From berry and dairy processors to fishing cooperatives, the Supply Chain Support Program is strengthening primary industries by assisting companies to modernise their operations to reduce workforce disruptions and build industry sustainability,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The program has delivered vital support in the form of building and roof repairs, replacement equipment and freight assistance, which has helped to keep local people in work during the ongoing flood recovery.
“Reducing the impact of future natural disasters is essential to keeping specialised jobs and skills in regional areas and helping businesses to become more resilient.”
For further information and to apply, visit the Supply Chain Support Program website.
The Supply Chain Support Program is designed to complement existing recovery measures in disaster-declared regions.