The bushfire disaster and drought are unprecedented in NSW and have drastically affected areas throughout the southern and northern regions of NSW, areas serviced by the Southern and Northern Region Business Enterprise Centre.
To assist businesses, individuals and primary producers obtain the emergency and financial assistance that is available, as well as details on the support available from our organisation, we have listed the relevant information and contact details below.
These will be updated regularly as further details come to hand;
Disaster Assistance
To support relief and recovery following the declared natural disaster, a range of government assistance measures are available. Current LGA declarations are available at https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/declared-natural-disasters.
Note: in some circumstance’s employers may stand down employees if the reason for the stand down is outside the employer’s control, such as a natural disaster. Small businesses should check the relevant award, agreement or employment contract.
RAA: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-loan-bushfires – eligibility and how to apply
Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre – Key areas of support available
Business Connect Advisors
This is an initial FREE mobile business advisory service that is available to all businesses in NSW and subsided by the NSW government. Businesses in bushfire-affected locations may be eligible for fully-subsidised support by our Business Connect Advisors.
A team of highly experienced Advisors are available to meet with you or talk to you by phone if you wish, to discuss your business needs, be that general information or more specific business restructuring and recovery advice and assistance.
Register at industry.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect, call 1300 134 359 to book a session with a local advisor or call us directly;
Contact details-
SRBEC Office 02 6297 3121
Australian Small Business Advisory Service (ASBAS) – Digital Solutions Business Advisors
This is an initial FREE advisory service that is available to all business owners requiring help with their online presence, including; websites, Facebook and online marketing. Our team are mobile and meet with you at your business or by phone and can be contacted directly on;
SRBEC Office 02 6297 3121
Lost your job?
Phone one of our Pathways Support Advisors for FREE advice and assistance on what to do next and how we can help.
Contact details-
SRBEC Office 02 6297 3121
Waste Management Solutions
Waste management will be a key focus area in the fire recovery process and SRBEC is highly experienced in the management and development of waste management solutions for the southern region of NSW. For advice and assistance on waste solutions and management and how we can help.
Contact details-
SRBEC Office 02 6297 3121
ATO Assistance
The ATO will automatically grant deferrals for activity statement lodgements and payments due for anyone in the identified impacted postcodes.
Full details of these deferrals and a list of impacted postcodes are available on the ATO website – anyone affected by the fires should focus on getting their other affairs in order and not worry about their tax obligations at this time.
If you have been impacted by these bushfires and need assistance with your tax affairs, you can contact the ATO on 1800 806 218 and the ATO will work with you to get you back on track. More information about the assistance the ATO can offer is available on the ATO website at
https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Dealing-with-disasters/In-detail/Specific-disasters/Bushfires-2019-20/
Small Business Recovery Toolkit
The NSW Small Business Commission has developed a range of resources to help small business owners recover from disasters.
Visit https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/disaster-recovery to access these resources.
Solving Problems and Dispute Resolution Service
Access a confidential and free dispute resolution service which has been set up to help small businesses needing assistance to work through problems with other businesses or government. The NSW Small Business Commission helps parties talk about their problems and work towards a solution through negotiation and communication. They can also assist small businesses with issues in relation to insurance and regulatory concerns.
Call 1300 795 534 or visit https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/dispute-resolution
Insurance Council of Australia
Can assist policy holders determine which insurer they are with and assisting with general inquiries about the claims process.
Call 1300 728 228 or visit www.insurancecouncil.com.au
Safe Work NSW
Will replace NSW licences at no cost to those affected by natural disasters.
Call 13 10 50 or visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au
Service NSW
Will replace certificates and drivers’ licences at no cost to those affected by natural disasters.
Call 13 77 88 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/business-support-bushfire-impacted-communities
Register to opt-in to the NSW bushfire clean-up: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-opt-nsw-bushfire-clean
Motor Vehicle Stamp Duty Relief
Motorists whose cars have been written off as a result of a natural disaster may be eligible for a stamp duty refund on their replacement vehicle.
Call 1300 139 814 or visit https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/taxes-duties-levies-royalties/motor-vehicle-duty/relief
Additional Assistance for Farmers
Fire affected landholders in NSW requiring emergency fodder are being urged to call the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.
For further information see https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/bushfires
Developed by the National Farmers’ Federation and funded by the Commonwealth Government, FarmHub is a one-stop shop for details on assistance with fodder, water, transport, everyday living expenses, health and more – farmhub.org.au/explore-assistance/.
Mental Health
The following are free services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.
Survey to identify areas of most need
This is a key survey where information provided by businesses will be shared with government agencies and other organisations to help them
understand issues faced by small businesses during recovery efforts.
Businesses are encouraged to complete this survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bushfireSBsurvey2020.
Resources