News

The 2025 season has been especially difficult for many growers, particularly those impacted by the NSW East Coast severe weather (AGRN 1212) from 18 May and/or Tropical Cyclone Alfred (AGRN 1198) from 3 March. Prolonged saturation has made orchard access difficult, delayed harvest, and in some areas, washed away crop and caused significant damage to orchard floors and infrastructure.

Growers affected by one or both events can now apply for the $25,000 Natural Disaster Relief Grants that are now available to assist communities.

As with previous grant funding the definition of ‘primary producer’ presents challenges for some macadamia growers, particularly those in orchard establishment phase. The AMS is engaged with NSW Government on this issue and in seeking clarity re eligible activities, including tree replacement.

Grant information session for growers

• The AMS is planning an information session for growers in the coming weeks in conjunction with NSW DPIRD and other relevant NSW Government Agencies. This session will assist growers to complete their application and answer any questions you may have about the application process.
• Dates/times and more information will be advised shortly.

About the grants

• Provided as part of the jointly funded Australian Government-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018 (DRFA) and announced last week, the grants are designed to minimise disruption and support recovery, helping primary producers with essential recovery costs.
• Primary producers in an LGA declared for both AGRN 1212 and AGRN 1198 may submit one Natural Disaster Relief Grant application covering damages across both declared disaster events.
• Eligible primary producers can access an initial $5,000 by providing photographic evidence of direct damage, with the remaining funds available once valid tax invoices and proof of payment are submitted and verified.
• Applications are open until 4 December 2025 at 4pm.

Program guidelines

• Before proceeding with your application, please refer to the program guidelines for details, including eligibility criteria (eligible expenditure and evidence, eligible locations etc) and how to apply (including what to include).

Support with your application

• If you need assistance with your application, or have questions regarding your eligibility, please:

                o Come along to the upcoming AMS grower information session (date/time TBA).

                o Contact the Rural Assistance Authority:

                         Phone: 1800 678 593 (free call) 

                         Email: [email protected] 

                         Website: www.raa.nsw.gov.au 

• Talk to your rural/financial counsellor, business advisor, accountant or a trusted family member/friend. 

Apply

• For those growers wishing to apply now, you can click here. 

NSW Natural Disaster Relief Grant – Information Session

Hosted by AMS and NSW DPIRD

Thursday 10 July 10.30am-12midday. NSW DPI Wollongbar – Hudson Room

Come along with your questions re the application process, assessment criteria, eligible expenditure, timelines.

Sincerely

The AMS Team