Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, said the Minns Labor Government’s 2025/26 budget has delivered a brutal blow to the Myall Lakes region, failing to recognise the needs of primary producers, residents, and businesses.
Mrs Thompson said it was a bitter betrayal there was no additional funding for category D grants for communities flattened by the recent floods, with only $358.3m allocated including the Federal Government’s contribution.
“Today I called out Premier Chris Minns in question time for failing to deliver on his June 3 promise that he would work with the Commonwealth to get grants up to $75,000 over the line,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Businesses and farmers of all kinds are on the brink of collapse and the situation is so dire thousands of people have rallied in the streets.
“The Premier had the perfect opportunity today to help those who are seriously hurting, but he instead decided to prioritise the budget bottom line over people’s lives.”
Mrs Thompson said it’s also disappointing there was nothing new in the budget papers for her electorate.
“This year we’ve seen no investment in local health infrastructure, with no funding for Stage three of the Manning Hospital or a Bulahdelah health facility.”
“It’s just a lot of smoke and mirrors and rehashed announcements of what has already been previously committed, and our region deserves better.”
