18 February 2025

Natural disaster declaration announced for Harden-Murrumburrah after devastating hailstorm

| Edwina Mason
Start the conversation
Harden-Murrumburrah storm

There was a rude awakening for residents of Harden-Murrumburrah last week after a series of storms ripped through the town leaving a trail of damage in their wake. Photo: Steph Cooke.

Harden-Murrumburrah residents can now access joint federal and state-funded disaster assistance thanks to a natural disaster declaration following the severe hailstorm that battered the town and surrounds on 10 February.

The declaration will provide much-needed financial assistance and recovery support for residents, businesses, and primary producers affected by the extreme weather, says Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke.

Ms Cooke emphasised the importance of the declaration, saying that it unlocks critical funding and support for those struggling in the aftermath of the storm.

“This declaration means that assistance is now available for those whose homes or essential household items have been damaged or destroyed, as well as for business owners and primary producers who have suffered direct losses,” Ms Cooke said.

“I strongly encourage anyone impacted by this event to apply for the financial support now on offer to assist with recovery.”

READ ALSO Call for disaster relief after Harden-Murrumburrah is smashed by series of storms

Ms Cooke has also commended the rapid and coordinated response from emergency services, local volunteers, and government agencies in assisting the Harden community during the disaster.

“The SES and the NSW Reconstruction Authority have provided tremendous support to residents, and I sincerely thank them for their efforts,” she said.

“I also want to acknowledge the many local volunteers who have worked tirelessly in the cleanup and recovery — our communities are stronger because of your dedication.”

She also extended her appreciation to Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, for his swift response and commitment to helping those affected by the disaster.

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has also welcomed the disaster support.

Mr McCormack said he met with Minister for Emergency Management of Australia, Senator Jenny McAllister, in Canberra last week to discuss the damage bill in the Harden-Murrumburrah region.

“I am pleased the minister has responded to the need in the Hilltops region with NSW Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib,” Mr McCormack said.

The announcement follows similar relief granted recently to the Snowy Valleys and Wagga Wagga City Council local government areas following devastating storms in January.

“This support will very much be welcomed in the Hilltops area where properties were smashed by hail to the point where some homes have become unliveable,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said he had spoken with Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram about the disaster support as the cleanup continued and said he would continue to work with the local council to see what further assistance might be required as assessments and cleanups continued.

The Natural Disaster Declaration allows affected residents, businesses, and local authorities to access various assistance measures through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

These measures include:

  • Support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs such as emergency accommodation
  • Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items and maintain a basic standard of living
  • Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs, restoring their homes to a safe and habitable condition
  • Financial support for local councils and agencies to assist with cleanup efforts, ensuring community safety, and restoring damaged public infrastructure
  • Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations to aid in recovery efforts
  • Grants for sporting and recreational clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property
  • Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder, ensuring agricultural operations can continue.

READ ALSO Story of hope amid thousands of birds lost in storm-devastated Hilltops town

Recovery assistance will continue in Harden this week to support residents affected by the storms.

Those in need of help can visit the Recovery Assistance Point at Harden Country Club to access:

  • Legal and insurance advice from Legal Aid NSW and the Insurance Council of Australia
  • Support for farmers from Rural Aid
  • Mental health support from the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and the Uniting Church NSW & ACT Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network.

The Recovery Assistance Point is open Tuesday through to Thursday this week from 10 am to 5 pm.

For those unable to attend in person, assistance is still available by calling 02 9781 5530 to inquire about available support options.

Ms Cooke urged all those affected by the storm to take advantage of the available support and financial relief.

“This funding is designed to ease the burden on individuals and businesses affected by the disaster. I encourage everyone eligible to apply as soon as possible to help speed up the recovery process,” she said.

For those seeking more information about disaster assistance, details can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.