Support for local councils after a disaster

Assistance is available for eligible local councils following a natural disaster. Find information on how to apply for support.

Last updated:
18 July 2025
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Exemption from the waste levy 

Following a natural disaster, councils can request an exemption from the waste levy by contacting the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Assistance is only provided to eligible local councils following the declaration of a natural disaster by the NSW Government.

The waste must be the result of a natural disaster within an area listed by the natural disaster declaration.

To request an exemption visit the EPA website or email waste.levydata@epa.nsw.gov.au.  

 

Restoring essential assets

Local councils can get assistance to restore essential public assets that have been damaged due to a natural disaster.

For assistance to restore public roads, road infrastructure and bridges, councils should contact their regional representative in Transport for NSW.

For assistance to restore other essential public assets, councils should contact their regional representatives in Public Works Advisory.

Find more information about how disaster assistance functions and is funded:

Council Resources

Employee, project management, equipment and other costs

Guidance to asset owners and relevant NSW State agencies on the application of DRFA to certain components of expenditure under Category B assistance measures.

Employee on-costs for Opt-In Arrangements

Guidance on the application of employee on-costs for NSW councils that have opted-in to Day Labour Co-Funding Arrangements and to NSW State agencies that manage essential public assets. 

Essential Public Assets re-damaged by a subsequent event

Processes relating to essential public asset reconstruction (EPAR) works when an asset is re-damaged at the same location by an eligible event,

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