Disaster assistance has been made available in 24 council areas in SA, following severe storms in late October.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Federal Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Minister Bridget McKenzie said lightning, heavy rainfall, severe winds and golf-ball-sized hail caused significant damage and disruption to communities across the state.
"South Australians were heavily impacted by localised flash flooding and widespread power outages," she said.
"There have also been significant volumes of debris from the storm that have left many in an incredibly difficult position.
"This disaster assistance will provide a range of practical measures, including debris removal from properties and access to personal and financial counselling, to help impacted individuals get back on their feet as soon as possible."
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said the event required a significant response from the SA State Emergency Services, which received 1,338 calls over a 24-hour period.
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"In addition to supporting community members, the assistance being announced today will also help local councils cover the costs of the extensive clean-up and the restoration of essential public assets, including roads," he said.
"Early indications are that the storm damage will be more than $350 million which is why we are moving as quickly as possible.
"This disaster assistance will be an important contribution to SA's recovery as we rebuild and get back on track."
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said large areas of the Barossa, Murraylands and Riverland regions were heavily impacted by localised flash flooding and widespread power outages.
"There have also been significant volumes of debris from the storm that have left many locals in an incredibly difficult position," he said.
"This disaster assistance will provide a range of practical measures, including debris removal from properties and access to personal and financial counselling, to help Barossa, Murraylands and Riverland locals get back on their feet as soon as possible."
"Barossa, Murraylands and Riverland councils will also be supported with the costs of their clean-up and the restoration of public infrastructure, including roads."
Disaster assistance is available in the council areas of
- Adelaide Hills,
- Adelaide Plains,
- Barossa,
- Barunga West,
- Berri Barmera,
- Clare and Gilbert Valleys,
- Cleve,
- Coorong,
- Elliston,
- Gawler,
- Karoonda East Murray,
- Light,
- Loxton Waikerie,
- Mid Murray,
- Mount Barker,
- Murray Bridge,
- Playford,
- Port Pirie,
- Renmark Paringa,
- Salisbury, Tea Tree Gully,
- Tumby Bay,
- Wakefield
- Yorke Peninsula.
Among the assistance provided is a coordinated water removal on the Northern Adelaide Plains, including the solid waste levy being waived; access to personal and financial counselling; and the creation of a cross-governmental taskforce to look at all impacted regions.
For information about personal and financial counselling, call the Financial Counselling Helpline on 1800 007 007, the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 836 211 or a Family and Business Support Program team member pir.sa.gov.au/fabs.
Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government's Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au
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