The NSW Nationals are calling for the urgent roll out of category C and D disaster grants to help businesses and primary producers wiped out by the devastating flooding event impacting the Hunter, Mid-North, and North Coast regions.
It comes after several flood-hit communities were incorrectly left off the NSW Government’s eligibility list for personal hardship payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 per household.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said after a weekend of stress for those who found out they were not qualifying for any assistance, there is an overwhelming call for proper help.
“Everyone in the state’s north is hurting right now, from families to businesses owners and farmers who have lost their livelihoods in the blink of an eye with very little prospect of getting back on their feet,” Mr Saunders said.
“Beef and dairy farmers have lost cattle and have fences down, fodder producers have lost all their crops, and the oyster industry has been completely decimated. We need the Minns and Albanese Governments to enact the declarations to begin the recovery process now and carry out a complete revision of all areas included to make sure no one misses out.”
Shadow Minister for Flood Recovery, Geoff Provest, said it will take some time to repair the damage caused.
“This was a catastrophic event that has literally stopped businesses from operating and prevented people from being able to earn an income. Those affected really need a helping hand to get things up and running and start building back what they have lost,” Mr Provest said.
Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, praised her community for banding together to support each other through this disaster.
“Our community has faced unprecedented devastation but kept showing up for each other every day and now we need all levels of Government to do the same,” Mrs Thompson said.
“It feels like it’s been blow after blow right now and we can’t afford to wait any longer for a category D declaration to be announced to ensure support is available to everyone who needs it.”
Nationals Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, said this is not the time to be complacent.
“When the water recedes and the media spotlight fades, that is when the community needs us the most, to keep moving forward after what has been an extremely tough few weeks,” Mr Kemp said.
“Our farmers and businesses have faced their fair share of floods and fires, and they need real help. They don’t want loans but meaningful category C grants to give them hope to keep going.”
Nationals Member for Upper Hunter, Dave Layzell, said the botched personal hardship payments further exacerbated the situation.
“For people to wake up and find out they haven’t been classified as living in an ‘impacted area’ despite losing everything has just added to the anxiety that they are going through in the aftermath of the flood,” Mr Layzell said.
“There will be a time and place to dissect where and why this rollout went wrong but for now we need this fixed immediately so the money can get out the door as soon as possible.”
Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said mental health support will also be important.
“Our communities will be working through a lot as they start the long journey to recovery,” Mr Dwyer said.
“After an onslaught of challenges, residents, farmers and business owners will need more mental health support so they know they have somewhere to turn in their time of need.”
