Mogo small businesses will get government recovery support, through the new Storm & Flood Small Business Disaster Recovery Grant, which will allow them to apply for up to $50,000 to help pay for clean-up and reinstatement of operations.

Liberal candidates for Bega and Gilmore, Dr Fiona Kotvojs and Andrew Constance, welcomed support for local businesses that have been doing it tough after a series of natural disasters while also dealing with the impact of the COVID pandemic.

Andrew Constance said that local small business owners have been hit by one disaster after another. “No one can imagine the pain these businesses have suffered after fire, pandemic and flood,” Constance said. “It has been unbearable and I hope that today’s announcement goes some way to helping them through this dark time.”

Dr Fiona Kotvojs thanked the local businesses for their advice and guidance, in support of the advocacy to the state and federal governments.

“Andrew and I want to thank Naomi LaFranchi for her advocacy and representation on behalf of local businesses doing it tough,” said Dr Kotvojs. “Between natural disasters and COVID keeping many tourists away, this community hasn’t had much of a break.”

“These businesses are the backbone of the Mogo community, and helping them makes it a bit easier for the whole community to recover.”

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said it was vital to provide support to help small business bounce back as quickly as possible.

“The Australian and NSW Governments are focused on giving small businesses and not-forprofits the tools they need to clean-up, rebuild and keep operating,” Senator McKenzie said. “We will continue to work with the NSW Government to roll out targeted support for communities impacted by these devastating storms and floods.”

New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales Paul Toole said the Australian and NSW Governments are standing by the people of the regions.

“We know that small businesses are the lifeblood of regional communities and have borne the brunt of recent natural disasters,” Toole said.

“We will continue to support them for as long as it takes to bounce back.”

New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke urged communities to utilise the available support.

“These new grants of up to $50,000 complement a number of existing flood recovery supports for individuals, primary producers and local councils,” Cooke said.

“Storm season will continue until March, so I am encouraging communities across our State to be vigilant to the ongoing threats in the short-term, and continue working with us in the long-term to build a more resilient NSW.”

New South Wales Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said the Government was committed to working closely with small businesses in their recovery.

“This immediate support will help to protect local economies while communities recover, keeping businesses open and people in jobs,” Petinos said.

To register interest for the grant and be notified when applications become available, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.