NSW, federal governments announce ‘long overdue’ recovery grants for flood-affected farmers
Farmers who were left devastated after the north coast floods almost seven weeks ago can finally access full recovery funding following mounting calls to cut red tape and deliver relief to communities on the brink.
NSW
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Farmers who were left devastated after the north coast floods can finally access full recovery funding following mounting calls to stop the delays and deliver relief to communities on the brink.
Almost seven weeks after record floods swept through the Mid-North-Coast and Hunter Region, the Albanese and Minns government have jointly unlocked grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers on Friday.
Until now, farmers and small businesses could only receive an “insulting” $25,000 grant after the state government initially failed to ask its federal counterpart for the same amount of money requested during previous floods.
The announcement means flood-affected producers can apply for an additional $50,000 in recovery grants to help them rebuild – matching the same amount offered during the 2021 and 2022 disasters.
Eligible farmers can apply for the grants through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority to help with restocking and replanting, replacing lost or damaged assets, clean-up, and restoring operations to pre-disaster levels.
It comes after more than 5000 locals rallied in Taree and Kempsey last week calling for increased Category D funding, supported by local MPs.
NSW Premier Chris Minns previously defended the delay in funding due to bureaucratic red tape, but said he was “pleased the Commonwealth agreed to our request” for more money on Friday.
“This will help farmers clean up, rebuild, and keep producing for our state,” Mr Minns said.
While NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin acknowledged the long wait for relief for farmers left at square one.
“I know that the wait while we put our application together has been a tough one, but we have been successful,” Ms Saffin said.
But the announcement has come far too late for many, with NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders slamming Labor for the “long overdue” funding.
“Last month the Premier visited Pulteney Street arcade in Taree, looked business owners in the eye and said this was worse than Lismore,” Mr Saunders said.
“The decision not to provide any extra help (until now) is a real kick in the guts, and will spell the end for many family-run regional businesses.”
Although the funding will be welcomed, farmers still face expensive clean-up and recovery efforts with $75,000 only scratching the surface for many.
The Coalition has vowed to “keep fighting” until businesses receive the help they need, including mental health support.
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