Initial payments welcome but long term support needed
NSW Farmers President James Jackson says emergency payments to flood-affected communities was an important first step in helping people get through the flood disaster.
The federal government has announced emergency payments will be available to flood affected individuals in 23 disaster declared LGAs from 2pm Thursday, and the state government has offered concessional loans and transport subsidies for eligible farmers and businesses.
“People are hurting, and this money will help them meet some of their immediate needs as they deal with yet another natural disaster this year,” Mr Jackson said.
“However, we must remember that for many of the flood-affected farmers this is yet another wipeout, and they have potentially gone a year without any income at all while managing the costs of essential repairs.
“It is critical that the state and federal governments now offer the same sort of support they gave to farmers and businesses up north earlier in the year, because these natural disasters take a long time to recover from – both emotionally and financially.”
Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Media Contact: Steve Mudd | 0429 011 690 | mudds@nswfarmers.org.au