NSW Farmers says flood recovery grants are an important first step but warns more government assistance will likely be needed as the full extent of damage is determined.
The NSW and Commonwealth governments announced the joint funding of grants of up to $25,000 for farmers impacted by floods in disaster declared areas.
President of NSW Farmers’ Association, Xavier Martin, has thanked the Perrottet and Albanese governments for their support, but warns it’s too early to tell how significant the damage is.
“This is an immense and unfolding event, and the scale of the damage is still not known.
“These inland floods are different to coastal flooding. When Lismore was under water, it was quick and devastating. Inland floods take a long time and are slow to dissipate.”
NSW Farmers is also concerned the disaster relief grants are significantly lower than the disaster relief offered at earlier flooding events.
“Earlier in the year, special disaster relief grants of up to $75,000 were available for flood affected farmers. Three times what is currently in place for farmers inland.
“Floods cause significant damage and we still are not sure how devastating these floods have been.
“We are calling on the state and federal governments to keep this mind and be willing to extend disaster relief as needed,” Mr Martin said.
-NSW Farmers
