The government is providing a further $142.8 million of flood relief in the 2023-24 South Australian Government Budget, in addition to the $51.6 million assistance package announced in the 2022-23 Mid-Year Budget Review.
The package includes funding for clean-up and waste following floods. This will include structural assessments, removal of hazardous waste and debris, kerbside collections and waste management.
Funds have also been allocated to help residents reconnect to essential services. Up to $5,000 will be available for each eligible household to assist with reconnecting electricity, gas, water, septic or sewer services.
Affected councils across South Australia will be able to tap into a $5 million flood mitigation and remediation support fund.
Tax relief
The SA State Government is providing a range of tax relief programs for affected residents and businesses.
Firstly, there will be some stamp duty relief for those people buying a replacement home or vehicle that is damaged or destroyed because of flood damage.
Owners of flood-destroyed vehicles can tap emergency services levy relief, while business properties will be able to take advantage of land tax relief. Long-term residential rentals can also enjoy this relief, when it comes to properties that have been substantially damaged or destroyed.
Traditional Owners will have access to $236,000 to remediate flood-impacted heritage sites.
Additional flood relief infrastructure
A further $10.3 million will be spent to complete the replacement of the gate infrastructure in the Patawalonga Lakes system
The SA State Government will provide $9.8 million to the State Emergency Service to cover response costs for extraordinary flood events. There will be further support from other emergency services organisations to lead an extended duration incident management team. The SA SES will be able to undertake significant sandbagging operations and conduct rescues.
$1.3 million is being invested over four years to establish a strategic flood barrier cache. This funding will also provide training on the use of flood barrier materials.
$4.2 million in rebates will be available to eligible primary producers and horticulture farmers impacted by drought or natural disasters. This will support water infrastructure investment.
Circular economy and risk mitigation
There is further funding to implement strategies that encourage future resilience. $6.7 million will also support preparedness and risk mitigation from significant or catastrophic disasters.
The effective implementation of relevant regulations will be supported by $4.1 million. It will also support ongoing reforms for both the circular economy and waste management sectors.
The Brukunga Mine will receive $1 million over two years to design the works for a new water treatment plant.
Related Articles:
- Construction begins for new outback water supply
- Bridgewater creek reinforced for sewer upgrade
- Efficient wastewater treatment from new green tech