MICHAEL Kemp fears as many as 95 percent of flood affected farmers and businesses in the Oxley electorate will struggle to stay in operation if the state doesn’t request a Category D declaration from the Federal Government.
The Member for Oxley, whose family property and business also suffered significant damage last month, has spoken to hundreds of primary producers and small business owners struggling to clean-up, let alone get back on their feet.
“There is stock removal, removal of debris, fixing fences, feeding, transport,” Mr Kemp told News Of The Area.
“Hay is also very, very expensive at the moment.
“Businesses that were inundated include supermarkets and healthcare facilities, and butchers and bakers.
“And there were losses of ovens and fridges and furniture.
“One owner experienced $500,000 damage to his diesel mechanics business.
“Without significant funding, he doesn’t even know if he can start operating again – so it’s been really hard for him.”
Tuesday’s NSW Budget failed to include a formal request for the Commonwealth to increase flood relief payments from $25,000 to the maximum $75,000, which has dealt communities a further blow.
“No Category D. No new disaster grants. No explanation for why suburbs still can’t access the hardship payment.
“And not a single dollar in the budget to further support our community,” Mr Kemp said.
Hastings and Macleay Valley communities will now “take matters into their own hands”.
A rally is being planned for Kempsey Racecourse this Sunday, from midday, at which the community, primary producers and businesses will demand action.
It follows a similar rally in Taree attended by around 3000 people.
“The Macleay and Hastings are standing up because the government won’t,” Mr Kemp said.
“I urge everyone – families, tradies, shop owners, farmers – to come out this Sunday and stand up together.”
Mr Kemp shared feedback from some of those devastated community members, including dairy farmer Michael Jeffrey.
“Our pasture is destroyed, cattle need to be hand fed daily with purchased hay, roads still impassable, and not a single cent of meaningful recovery support has come through,” Mr Jeffrey said.
“We’re expected to carry the cost and the emotional toll, while the government drags its heels.”
Ian McGoldrick, a beef producer and stock and station agent, says the situation is dire.
“Farmers are losing income hand over fist.
“They’re not selling because they want to, they’re selling because they’ve got no feed and no help,” he said.
“We’re not asking for handouts, we’re pleading for the support we desperately need.”
Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer told News Of The Area, “Disappointingly, despite the Premier visiting the Mid North Coast to witness the recent devastating floods, more than a month later we still do not have the Category D
funding approved which would allow primary producers and small business owners impacted by the floods to get back on their feet with a $75,000 grant.”
By Sue STEPHENSON
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