AN E-PETITION is now available on the NSW Parliament website calling for upgraded support to assist Hunter and Mid North Coast communities devastated by the May flood.
The petition calls on the NSW Government to maximise Category C funding and urgently declare Category D funding for devastated small businesses, primary producers and communities in the two regions.
“Category C provides assistance for severely affected communities, regions or sectors and includes clean-up and recovery grants for small businesses and primary producers and/or the establishment of a Community Recovery Fund,” said Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell.
“Category D is exceptional circumstances assistance generally considered once the impact of the disaster has been assessed and specific recovery gaps identified.
“Under the joint Australian Government-State Government cost sharing for the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, assistance is requested from the states and requires agreement from the Prime Minister.”
The e-petition requires 20,000 online signatures to be formally debated in the Legislative Assembly and can be found at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/epetitions-list.aspx
MidCoast Mayor Claire Pontin has also reassured the community that she is continuing to lobby for Category D funding.
“I have asked the Premier to seek agreement from the Federal Government for this increased funding.
“What the State Government has asked Council for is a detailed breakdown of the estimated damage, so they can use this to support any request to the Federal Government.
“Council staff have been working hard to put this information together – using the best estimates they can assemble by talking to businesses, primary producers and support agencies.
“The information they have gained is taken directly from carrying out assessments on damaged houses and buildings and talking with the community on the impact of the flood event.
“It will also include estimates of damage to public infrastructure, including roads.”
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