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 Paul Saad of Southern Cross Turf and Alexandria and Michael Muscat of Green Life Turf were able to explain the issues they now face, particularly