Here's how the federal budget will impact the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred recovery

Costs of national disaster support predicted to rise. Find out about recovery assistance available on the Mid North Coast.

Author

Ellie Chamberlain
March 28, 2025

In the wake of Ex‑Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Labor Government’s 25/26 budget has forecast total costs for national disaster support will continue to rise to at least $13.5 billion. 

Many areas of northern NSW experienced severe weather as Alfred rolled in, causing damaging winds, flooding, “fish death events” and beach erosion. 

Treasurer Jim Chalmers used his budget speech to announce an additional $1.2 billion reserved for disaster responses, in addition to the $11.6 billion already committed, to better respond to – and recover from – natural disasters in the future. 

According to David Karoly, Emeritus Professor at the University of Melbourne and climate scientist, ex-tropical cyclones like Alfred are expected to decrease in frequency but intensify in impact.

Will extreme weather impact get worse on the Mid North Coast?

As the climate changes, cyclones are becoming less frequent but more intense. We spoke to an expert to find out more.

www.themidnorthcoaster.com.au/p/rising-temperatures-intense-cyclones-will-extreme-weather-impact-get-worse-on-the-nsw-mid-north-coas

This is due to the rise in ocean temperature and atmospheric temperatures, leading to more moisture in the atmosphere.

“That moisture gets lifted up in the tropical cyclone and in the cloud systems forms rain, and that rain releases heat to increase and maintain the strength of the tropical cyclone,” Karoly told the Mid North Coaster.

On Tuesday, Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie responded to the federal budget and said the country needs to look at a permanent solution to severe weather events.

“Australians are concerned about both the rising costs of living and escalating costs of unnatural disasters driven by climate pollution from coal, oil and gas,” McKenzie said.

Financial support

The government is offering payment support for communities affected by the recent severe weather, including parts of the Mid North Coast.

The following local government areas are included in the natural disaster declaration with assistance available to residents, business owners and Not For Profit organisations;

  • City of Coffs Harbour

  • Bellingen Shire

  • Nambucca Valley

  • Kempsey Shire

  • Port Macquarie- Hastings

  • Mid Coast Council

  • Lord Howe

When the choice is between food on the table or flood insurance, what do you do?

Inflationary pressures are forcing locals to put their homes at risk.

www.themidnorthcoaster.com.au/p/when-the-choice-is-between-food-on-the-table-or-flood-insurance-what-do-you-do

Help centres coming to for Bellingen Shire

Funding is available to affected residents living in Bellingen LGA.

A lump sum payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who have been affected by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is available through The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).

On top of this, Mobile Community Outreach services are coming to Dorrigo and Bellingen next week to provide assistance to communities affected by Ex‑Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Where: Dorrigo Community Hall, 36 Hickory Street

When: Tuesday, April 1, 10am to 4pm

Where: Bellingen Citizens Centre, 29-31 Hyde Street
When: Thursday, April 3, 10am to 4pm.

Learn more: Tropical Cyclone Alfred Grants, Payments and Financial Support
Apply for: Personal Hardship Assistance, Service NSW

Image: (R)supplied by NSW SES