NAB extends SA flood support

The state has suffered from a deluge of extreme weather events that started at the beginning of the year and is ending the year with record rainfall.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the Renmark weather station recorded a total of 463mm of rainfall between January 1 and November 30, this year, which surpassed the full-year record of 443.4mm set in 2011. There was also 302.2mm more rainfall compared to 2021 when 160.8mm fell.

While Adelaide has experienced more rainfall this year compared to last, no records have been broken, according to the bureau.

To assist customers severely affected by flooding in officially declared disaster areas of South Australia’s Riverland region, National Australia Bank’s (NAB) grants will remain available to customers for a further three weeks.

The grants will provide access to funds for those experiencing major structural damage or severe internal damage to their property. This includes business and agriculture customers who have suffered severe damage to property, equipment and fencing, or loss of stock or livestock.

NAB executive retail, Krissie Jones, noted that conditions were worsening in some flood-affected communities.

“The flooding in the Riverland region is now expected to peak later than originally predicted, with emergency warnings impacting a number of communities in the area,” Ms Jones said.

“Flood levels in many areas are expected to peak between Christmas and the New Year; we will continue to make sure anyone affected can get the support they need.

In addition to the $1,000 grants, NAB is offering customers severely affected by flooding, loan deferral or reduced payment arrangements, and waiving of some fees or charges relating to their accounts.

However, the bank noted that its grants were not available for minor damage to homes or for damage to personal items and appliances, sheds, garages, or gardens, or loss or damage to investment properties or holiday homes.

NAB customer grant applications will be open until 5 January 2023.

Banks reopen in Lismore 

Meanwhile, along the eastern parts of Australia, the Commonwealth Bank reopened in flood-ravaged Lismore after 10 months of operating out of temporary service, marking the fourth major bank to reopen. 

ANZ was the first to open in April, followed by NAB in August and Westpac in October.

Following the 28 February floods, which decimated homes and storefronts, the banks rallied to provide the community with temporary banking service relief, with temporary pop-up branches and ATMs in town.

[Related: South Australian offered $1k flood grant]