Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean announced in Holbrook on Monday owners could apply for up to $10,000 extra assistance for each property.

Mr Kean said the NSW government would contribute an additional $5000 a property, Greater Hume would add $1000 a property and the existing allowance for soft furnishings would rise from $1000 to $5000.

“Every property owner affected by this issue will be contacted directly and informed of this new additional funding package to support them at this difficult time,” he said.

The announcement followed Mr Kean’s visit a fortnight ago to Holbrook, where 33 homes have tested positive to loose-fill asbestos. Four other Greater Hume properties also contain the dangerous material.

Residents told Mr Kean their concerns about the government’s voluntary program, citing low valuations and high building costs. 

Greater Hume mayor Heather Wilton described the new package, which added to the statewide scheme, as “tremendous”.

“It’s more than what we expected and I think it’s really great,” she said.

“This extra $10,000, I’m really quite convinced that will make a big difference to most of those people.”

Mr Kean said home owner applications would be made to a government panel involving member for Albury Greg Aplin and Cr Wilton and assessed based on need.

Mr Aplin said the assistance would become available immediately and could help with costs like storage or utility reconnection.

“We’ll have it ready to go from this week onwards,” he said.

Holbrook resident Archie Quinnell said the extra financial help came as a nice surprise after the devastation he’d felt when his Vine Street home tested positive to loose-fill asbestos.

“My father and grandfather built the place, 53 years of memories here, it gutted me actually,” he said. 

“When the minister came down (a fortnight ago), I got a bit of hope that someone was interested in what was going on down here. This is going to be a great help and I’m very thankful for it.”