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Could you be eligible for a Grant, Loan, or Subsidy after the recent Snow Event?

Date: 26 August 2025

Have you or your business been affected by recent severe weather events?

Disaster relief programs may be able to help you recover. We’ve summarised the key support measures that may be available if you are located in a declared disaster area in NSW.

NSW.Declared Disaster Areas

The key to getting access to many of these programs is the requirement that you or your business be located in a declared disaster area. These have been:

  • 31 July 2025 onwards – parts of the Lower New England and North-West regions (including areas hit by recent snow and flooding) were declared.
  • 21 August 2025 – the above declaration was extended to include Armidale and Guyra, along with other LGAs.
  • 18 May 2025 – earlier declarations were made following Cyclone Alfred, covering Armidale and many coastal regions.

Check this link for details of declared NSW disasters by financial year and LGA

What Relief Is Available?

The relief available depends on the category of the declaration. The more recent severe weather event is Category B which generally provides grants, loans and subsidies for households, small businesses and primary producers. This includes:

  • Grants for Households – Targeted support for certain low-income, uninsured residents to replace essential household items or fund urgent repairs to make homes safe.
  • Concessional Loans – Up to $130,000 for primary producers and small businesses to cover cleanup, restoration and re-establish operations; $25,000 for not-for-profits; $10,000 for sporting and recreation clubs.
  • Transport Subsidies – Up to $15,000 to help primary producers move stock, fodder and equipment.

Deadlines – For the 31 July onwards severe weather declaration, loan applications close 8 February 2026; transport subsidy applications close 8 May 2026.

See the relevant links above for further details regarding the application process.

Dealing With Tax Issues

Alongside disaster relief, there are some important tax issues to keep in mind. These won’t apply to everyone, but being aware early can save headaches later:

  • Insurance Payouts – If the payout is for repairs, it usually just offsets the cost of those repairs. If it’s for the loss of a capital asset (for example, a shed), the payout may have tax consequences, but these can often be managed if you intend to replace the asset. Contact us if you’re dealing with significant claims so we can provide advice tailored to your circumstances.
  • Damaged Assets – Where assets are destroyed and you don’t receive an insurance payout, you may be able to claim a deduction for any remaining (written-down) value
  • Business and Farm Losses – Stock, produce or goods lost in the disaster are generally deductible.
  • Forced Livestock Sales – If you are forced to sell livestock early due to feed shortages or flooding, you may be able to defer the profit for up to five years under special ATO rules.
  • Tax Payment and Lodgement Deadlines – The ATO may grant extensions, particularly if you have a good compliance history. The key is early communication. Contact us if we can assist in dealing with the ATO on your behalf.

What To Do Now

  • Check eligibility – confirm whether your area is a declared disaster zone by visiting the NSW Disaster Declarations page using the link above.
  • Apply early – many relief programs have strict deadlines, so don’t delay in lodging applications for grants, loans or subsidies.
  • Keep records – even if some paperwork has been lost, try to keep copies of receipts, insurance correspondence and bank statements. These will help when making claims or reconstructing information later.
  • Talk to us – if you’ve received insurance payouts, lost assets or had to sell livestock early, these can all have tax consequences. Contact us so we can help you manage the process, reduce stress, and make sure you get the full benefit of any relief available.

Like more information or to schedule a discovery call? Contact | Roberts + Morrow

Article written by Ben Quast, Manager – Business Services

 

Disclaimer
This article provides a general overview only and does not take into account your personal situation or specific eligibility. We recommend seeking tailored advice before making decisions or lodging applications.

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