This NSW town was washed away in the floods but residents are still waiting on help 3 weeks later

When it comes to funding, Hunter residents say they have been short-changed compared to those in the same circumstances in Lismore.

Two towns, both ravaged by floods that washed away roads and submerged homes and businesses — but when it comes to funding, Hunter residents say they have been short-changed compared to those in the same circumstances in Lismore.

Local MP Dave Layzell says the tight-knit community has been neglected by the government and should be given the same level of support as other flood-ravaged towns like Lismore.

Mr Layzell is advocating for the “Back Home” grants of $20,000 to be extended to Broke residents as soon as possible after they have already spent weeks waiting on the additional help.

The Daily Telegraph understand both levels of government are eager to roll out the grants but the Commonwealth is waiting on information before they can sign off on the extension.

Mr Layzell said Broke residents should have access to the same support as their Lismore counterparts. Picture: AFP

“There is no difference between the devastation we saw earlier this year in Lismore and the recent flood damage we have seen in Broke. The recovery teams on the ground have done an amazing job and the community have certainly bent over backwards to help each other,” Mr Layzell said.

“Yet the response from government to provide flood assistance grants have been too slow in being signed off. The Broke community is hurting and they need our support.

Broke residents are still waiting on the $20,000 Back Home grants. Picture: AFP

“It has been over three weeks since the event and we still have not seen the $20k back home grants approved by government. This is not a new policy and it should not be delayed.

“It needs to be actioned now by the state/federal government to ensure money is placed in the pockets of those who need it the most.”

A spokeswoman for Emergency Services Minister Murray Watt said: “The state and Commonwealth governments are working together to deliver support as quickly as possible. We understand the need to make sure assistance hits the ground in Broke, and we are working collaboratively to deliver that.”