UPDATE: Frustration mounts among farmers in New South Wales (NSW) as less than 25% of primary producers’ applications for flood relief have been approved nearly 100 days after catastrophic flooding devastated the Mid-North Coast. The latest figures from Premier Chris Minns’ department reveal only 239 out of 1,036 applications for grants have been granted, igniting anger and despair in the farming community.
Brighton Oysters operator Matt Carroll is among the many affected, with his application still under review after significant losses at his Taree farm. “It feels like a ‘guilty until proven innocent’ type of regime,” Carroll stated, highlighting the burden placed on farmers who are struggling to recover. His farm lost nearly half its stock, and he now faces rising costs of up to $1,000 for additional documentation requested by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA).
During a budget estimates session, Simon Draper, the secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, confirmed that 333 applications are currently being assessed, while 450 await evaluation. The Premier expressed confidence in the support being provided, citing a total allocation of $4 billion over the past four years for flood recovery initiatives, a staggering 1,000% increase in funding.
However, farmers and officials are demanding faster action. Tanya Thompson, MP for Myall Lakes, criticized the government’s slow response, stating, “We need help now.” She emphasized the psychological toll on farmers who are left waiting for essential support.
Meanwhile, Michael Kemp, MP for Oxley, voiced similar concerns, stating that farmers are “sick” of the bureaucratic hurdles and delays. The mental strain of navigating the application process has left many feeling abandoned by the government, with some contemplating leaving the industry altogether.
In response to the mounting criticisms, a spokesperson for the NSW government reassured the public that assistance is a top priority. They noted that the RAA has reduced assessment times by 50% compared to previous flood events, but acknowledged that incomplete applications have caused delays. Grants of up to $75,000 are available, but the average time from application to payment is around eight weeks.
The environmental implications are severe, as rising temperatures from climate change lead to more intense rainfall and flooding, which has battered NSW in recent years. The NSW Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 State of the Environment report warns that these extreme weather events are likely to continue.
Farmers like Shane Booth from the Kempsey region are already feeling the impact of ongoing disruptions. He described how infrastructure damage from past floods and bushfires has jeopardized his cattle business, stating, “If you can’t move stock, you can’t run a profitable enterprise.”
As the situation unfolds, farmers remain hopeful for swift action. The urgent need for funding and support cannot be overstated as the community grapples with the long-term repercussions of these devastating floods.
Farmers are encouraged to stay updated on their applications and advocate for more efficient processing of grants. The situation remains critical, and the pressure is on the NSW government to deliver timely assistance to those in dire need.
