Federal leaders have seen the devastation of homes, businesses and community facilities in the wake of the Hawkesbury floods during separate visits hosted by Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman.
Ms Templeman welcomed Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud and Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese to the region on Wednesday, March 31.
“The focus was on turf and vegetable farmers, whose businesses have been devastated by the flooding,” Ms Templeman said.
“Throughout this disaster, I have been in constant contact with Minister Littleproud and his office. It was my late-night call to him that led to the State Emergency Service (SES) supporting Coles and IGA to get groceries across the river to address shortages in supplies during the height of the flooding.
“He was very responsive and trusted my advice about what we needed on the ground.
“I remain disappointed that the NSW Government did not ever take up the Federal Government’s offer of heavy air-lift helicopters to get food onto supermarket shelves faster, which would have freed up SES resources.
“However, I am very pleased to learn that the Army is in town, with planning already under way on how best to use their resources.
“I have expressed the view that turf and vegetable producers would be one of the groups to benefit from the extra manpower and expertise for the very urgent jobs they face, including stabilising the riverbank in order to operate their pumps. I was very pleased to host his visit today to highlight those needs.
“Farmers like Alexandria Muscat of Green Life Turf and her neighbours were able to explain the challenges they now face, particularly around issues such as keeping staff on and dealing with further erosion of the riverbank.
“These are issues I will continue to advocate on, and are ones which must be supported by all three levels of government.”
Ms Templeman said it was the second time farmers in the Pitt Town Bottoms area had been impacted by flooding in just over 12 months.
“Growers have been doing it tough and I was glad they were able to bring their story straight to the Opposition Leader,” Ms Templeman said.
“He was able to meet with the Muscats and hear first-hand the issues they face as they clean up and start the process of re-establishing their crops and business.
“In the meantime, primary producers like market gardeners and turf farmers are being encouraged to apply for Special Disaster Grants, which have been announced to provide up to $75,000. The NSW Rural Assistance Authority has more information for those looking to access the grants.
“While these grants can provide some short-term relief, there are a range of other issues that we’ll need to address in coming weeks and months.
“I would like to thank the Muscat family who told Albo about the challenges they and their neighbours are now facing.
“It’s important to listen to those who have farmed on the river for many years so we can find a way to deal quickly and effectively with flood issues into the future.”
