As flood-affected communities struggle without a Category D declaration, the people of the Macleay Valley and Hastings are taking matters into their own hands.
This Sunday at 12pm at Kempsey Racecourse, the community, primary producers, and businesses will rally to demand action.
A free community BBQ, provided by flood-hit local butchers, will bring the community together, and Central Kempsey IGA has generously donated $500 and 5 x $100 vouchers as lucky door prizes to support turnout.
Michael Kemp, Nationals Member for Oxley, said the government’s complete failure to show up for Oxley is unacceptable.
“No Category D. No new disaster grants. No explanation for why suburbs still can’t access the hardship payment. And not a single dollar in the budget to further support our community,” Mr Kemp said.
“The Minister for Agriculture hasn’t even bothered to show her face. Our community is being left behind again,” Mr Kemp said.
“The Macleay and Hastings are standing up because the government won’t. I urge everyone – families, tradies, shop owners, farmers – to come out this Sunday and stand up together,” he said.
Carlos Peters, business owner of Stone Real Estate, says the delays are putting local livelihoods at risk.
“I speak with small businesses every day who have lost weeks of income, dealing with huge repair bills, and who are struggling to recover. The so-called ‘support’ isn’t reaching the people who actually need it,” Mr Peters said.
“If the government truly cared about regional recovery, we wouldn’t be begging for Category D support weeks after the event.”
Michael Jeffrey, a local dairy farmer who’s seen his operation hit hard, said the lack of support is pushing many farmers to breaking point.
“Our pasture is destroyed, cattle need to be hand fed daily with purchased hay, roads still impassable, and not a single cent of meaningful recovery support has come through. We’re expected to carry the cost and the emotional toll, while the government drags its heels,” Mr Jeffreys said.
“I’ve spoken to farmers who are ready to walk away. The government talks about backing the regions, but right now we feel abandoned.”
Beef producer and stock and station agent, Ian McGoldrick, says the situation is dire.
“Farmers are losing income hand over fist. They’re not selling because they want to, they’re selling because they’ve got no feed and no help,” Mr McGoldrick said.
“We’re not asking for handouts, we’re pleading for the support we desperately need.”
