Nationals MPs slam disaster relief funding after Barrington visit

NSW NATIONALS Leader Dugald Saunders has slammed the NSW Government over a “complete lack of urgency” to help flood-impacted businesses and primary producers, after visiting residents in Barrington last week.

On Wednesday, 11 June, applications opened for grants of up to $25,000, available to small businesses and non-profit organisations in NSW impacted by recent flooding.

Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the grants can be used towards expenses such as the cost of safety inspections, essential building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock, or leasing temporary space.

The NSW Opposition says $25,000 is simply not enough, however Labor Ministers have urged primary producers to submit impact assessments so the government can consider further support.

“The primary industries natural disaster damage assessment survey, which is on my department’s website, is available now for farmers and other primary producers to report damage,” Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said in parliament.

“As they work to get through this period, that system is set up for people to report specific damage that they see.

“That gets fed through the Government’s processes to determine what support, if any, is needed going forward.

“But up to $25,000 in grants are available now, and I encourage people who need that support to apply.”

Mr Saunders, who met with Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell and farmers in Barrington last week, said the onus was being put on farmers to “try and prove how severe this event was”.

“Both the Prime Minister and the Premier have visited properties where people have lost absolutely everything,” he said.

“They have heard similar stories to what we’ve heard today, so it’s disgraceful to think they still don’t understand the reality of this when they have literally seen it with their own eyes.

“Businesses and producers of all kinds are feeling majorly let down right now and they need a much higher level of support so they have a pathway forward or they won’t be able to survive.”

Mr Layzell said the package on offer barely scratches the surface.

“Homes have been left in shocking conditions, beef and dairy farmers have lost significant numbers of cattle and fences and machinery have been wiped out,” Mr Layzell said.

“Our primary producers are bleeding right now and are in desperate need of help, but this feels like a slap in the face.

“It’s nowhere near enough when you consider the massive cost of fodder, freight and agistment, the ongoing strain on feed, and the fact farmers are having to offload their cattle to stay afloat.
“We need more funding on the table now to actually make a difference.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said the NSW Government is working with the Commonwealth to provide a wide range of support for communities impacted by the recent severe weather.

“Some of these regions have been hit with two natural disasters in recent months, so we are providing assistance for small businesses and non-profit organisations to help them bounce back,” Mr Dib said.

“The grants of up to $25,000 will help with the clean-up efforts and are part of a raft of disaster recovery support payments to assist affected communities.”

Eligible people can also receive a one-off payment of $180 or up to $900 per household for Personal Hardship Assistance to help cover costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation through Service NSW.