New $65m flood recovery package for the Mid North Coast

THE State and Federal Governments have committed more than $56 million in new funding to support Mid North Coast communities as they continue to rebuild following the severe weather of May 2025 and ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The nearly $56.3 million package, delivered through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), targets the long-term work of cleaning up waterways, repairing environmental damage, and providing direct financial relief to local businesses.

A total of $26.2 million will go towards clean up and waste removal projects managed by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority.

This fund will target removing hazardous debris from riverbanks and land that requires specialised equipment.

A further $8.8 million will be dedicated to repairing riverbanks (riparian zones) and coastal areas, including critical work on the Manning Point spur wall.

$5.61 million will extend grants for small businesses and non-profits.

An additional grant of up to $25,000 will be available through Service NSW in the coming weeks – lifting the maximum available support to $50,000.

These are specifically for businesses and not-for-profit organisations that suffered direct damage as a result of the severe weather event in May last year.

The grant will contribute towards extraordinary clean-up, repair and restoration of damaged business premises and assets including damaged equipment, flooring and walls.

Another $7.2 million will support community recovery and resilience activities including the funding of Engagement and Resilience Coordinators to support councils’ work with communities.

$1.9 million will go towards disaster legal services and $4.2 million will be directed to mental health support.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain MP said, “People across the Mid North Coast were hit hard by these back-to-back severe weather events, which caused widespread disruption and damage to homes, businesses, and the environment.

“As I said at the start of this event in May last year, recovery is a long haul; it is not days and weeks, it is months and years.”

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said, “This additional funding package will provide that practical on the ground support so the communities of the Mid North Coast can continue to rebuild their lives.”

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp has welcomed the announcement of increased grants for small businesses.

“For our small business owners who have worked tirelessly to recover – often having to dip into their savings just to keep their doors open – this support was a long time coming and will make a genuine difference.

“The support provided mirrors what was delivered in previous flood events and reflects the true burden of flood damage.”

The announcement follows sustained community pressure for the full $50,000, including a flood rally held on 29 June 2025 at the Kempsey Racecourse.

“From the very beginning, small business owners have been calling for the support they need to rebuild and strengthen their resilience,” Mr Kemp said.

“They campaigned hard, and today we are finally seeing that effort pay off.”