The NSW Nationals are calling for Category C funding to be rolled out to businesses and primary producers on the north coast as they struggle to recover from cyclone Alfred.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders visited impacted farmers in the Tweed region today, alongside Shadow Minister for the North Coast Gurmesh Singh and Shadow Minister for Flood Recovery Geoff Provest.
The current support allows small businesses and primary producers to apply for concessional loans, but a Category C level declaration would also offer clean-up and recovery grants.
Mr Saunders said Premier Chris Minns needs to urgently make a request to the Commonwealth for the extra assistance.
“The impact this natural disaster has had on our primary producers is severe, devastating every part of the agriculture sector from our fishers to cane and soybean growers, as well as the beef and dairy industries,” Mr Saunders said.
“Our farmers are there for us each and every day and the Premier now needs to show he is there for them as well, by doing everything he can to help them get back on their feet.”
Shadow Minister for the North Coast Gurmesh Singh said it will be a long road to recovery.
“We know it could take quite some time to repair the damage Alfred has caused, not only to property, but also to businesses and supply chains,” Mr Singh said.
“We need these grants made available as soon as possible to help primary producers repair fences, replant crops, dispose of flood debris, and invest in flood-resilient infrastructure moving forward.”
Shadow Minister for Flood Recovery Geoff Provest said there are also concerns around whether the timing of the federal election will cause delays.
“We need a guarantee there won’t be any impact on getting this crucial support out the door now that the Federal Government has gone into caretaker mode,” Mr Provest said.
“These businesses and producers have already been left in the lurch in the aftermath of this significant weather event, and they simply can’t afford to wait months to get the help they desperately need.”
The Nationals are also calling for bolstered monitoring when it comes to red imported fire ants, with flooding increasing the risk of spread.
