Flood hit farmers in the Hunter Valley will receive a much needed funding boost, with grants up to $15,000 available to repair the damage bill from last April’s devastating East Coast low.
Funds were delivered in the wake of the storms for essential infrastructure, personal or family hardship and also subsidies for primary producers, but pressure was mounting on the NSW and federal government to provide Category C funding, for primary producers to repair or replace equipment, salvage crops, grain and feed supplies and to restore pastures.
Premier Mike Baird said the grants would “provide practical and emotional support to families and individuals”.
“We understand the challenges faced by beef and dairy farmers, egg producers, oyster growers and others which is why we are committed to ensuring they continue to receive the support they need to return to normal as soon as possible,” he said.
“This has been an overwhelming and emotional time for many people and this support will assist families with the challenges they will continue to face in coming months."
NSW Farmers welcomed the announcement.
Association president Fiona Simson said members were “anxiously awaiting the outcome of the application for Category C assistance”.
“(The funding) will bring much needed relief to the many producers severely impacted by the floods,” she said.
“The announcement is particularly significant for the NSW oyster industry, which suffered $6 million damage, equal to one sixth of the total value of the NSW industry.”
Federal Member for Paterson, Bob Baldwin, led the lobbying for additional funding for producers in his electorate.
“I am pleased that after lobbying for my constituents that the State and Federal Governments have signed off on the Category C assistance,” he said.
“This will directly benefit those primary producers in my electorate who are struggling from the financial implications and flow on effects from the April storm.”
For information on the grants visit: www.emergency.nsw.gov.au
NSW and federal government have delivered $145,000 for the Dungog Community Support Worker Project to provide practical and emotional support to families and individuals.
