‘Battered by flood’: Farmers urged to apply for recovery funds

Producers and landowners are being encouraged to fight for more flood recovery funding after their properties were ravaged by the recent rain.

Will Ramsay shows Minister Furner the difference between flooded and non-flooded cotton.

Texas residents have shown the government first-hand the damage they’re facing following the recent deluge, but recent funding grants are still not enough to repair the damage.

The Goondiwindi Regional Council is asking flood-impacted producers to get in touch with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to fight for more flood recovery funding for the region.

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner visited Texan producers with DAF director-general Bob Gee to inspect the damage to property, crops and livestock.

Councillor Susie Kelly said the flooding damaged cotton crops, mung beans and sorghum but also millet, pumpkins and peanuts.

“My fellow councillors and I, as well as Minister Furner and Mr Gee, had the opportunity to witness first-hand just some of the destruction left behind by the receding flood waters,” Cr Kelly said.

“From channel erosion along gully beds, fencing and irrigation infrastructure damage through to devastating crop and livestock loss, the damage is extensive.

“These landowners have gone through the devastation of long-term drought and are now faced with crippling flood recovery – with some also having to overcome recent hail damage.”

Cr Kelly said the visit helped the Minister and his team gain a “better appreciation” of the damage suffered, and witnessed the pain it brought to landowners.

“Being battered by flood after years of being battered by drought is immensely difficult for these people and we will advocate for them with the hope that disaster funding becomes available,” Cr Kelly said.

“Council is already advocating for Goondiwindi region communities to receive the same amount of aid as over the border in New South Wales.

“But in order to qualify for the next level of funding, we need more evidence of damage and are asking our local producers to make contact ASAP.

“We are hoping that then the Minister will announce funding for primary producers for clean-up and recovery to help alleviate the burden and provide financial support to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible.”

The council is now encouraging other affected residents across the region to contact Andrew Voight from the DAF on 0467 801 186.

Mr Voight is collating information pertaining to damage, which will be presented to the Minister to strengthen the case for recovery funding.

Residents should reference their location, types of produce affected, the extent of the damage, and the short- and long-term results such as a downturn in production or cash flow implications.