UPDATE: Less than 25% of primary producers who applied for urgent grant funding from the NSW government after the devastating floods on the Mid-North Coast have been approved, nearly 100 days after the catastrophic weather event. New data reveals that out of 1,036 applications, only 239 have been granted, leaving hundreds of farmers in dire need of financial support.
During a budget estimates session on Wednesday, Simon Draper, secretary of Premier Chris Minns‘ department, disclosed that 333 applications are still being assessed, while 450 remain awaiting assessment. This has fueled anger and frustration among farmers who fear they are being treated as “guilty until proven innocent” in the funding process.
Matt Carroll, operator of Brighton Oysters in Taree, is among more than 300 producers still waiting for approval. He reported significant losses during the floods, with half of his stock washed out to sea. Carroll voiced his concerns, stating, “It feels like it’s getting increasingly difficult to obtain funds,” while highlighting the financial burden of the application process, which has already cost him over $1,000 in fees.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Premier Minns asserted he is confident that support is being provided, citing a total of $4 billion allocated by both current and former governments for flood recovery and emergency assistance over the past four years. He emphasized the increased funding as a major commitment, although many farmers feel let down by the slow approval process.
A spokesperson for the NSW government reiterated the commitment to assist primary producers recovering from natural disasters, stating, “Delivering assistance as soon as possible is a priority.” They noted that the NSW Rural Assistance Authority has cut application assessment times by 50% compared to previous flood events, but many farmers continue to experience delays due to incomplete applications.
Myall Lakes Nationals MP Tanya Thompson expressed urgent concern, stating, “Farmers cannot afford to wait any longer; we need help now.” She criticized the government for failing to deliver promised support, adding that the emotional toll on farmers is substantial. “Leaving people struggling is more than just a broken promise; it’s devastating for their mental health,” she said.
Fellow MP Michael Kemp echoed these sentiments, asserting that farmers have been “waiting weeks in silence,” and are frustrated by the bureaucratic hurdles they face. He warned that many are on the brink of abandoning their farms due to the inaction from the government.
The situation is further complicated by the mental strain on farmers who are navigating this challenging funding landscape. Josh Hack, who works with beef and dairy farmers in the Kempsey region, noted that many feel the government is intentionally making the process difficult. “It’s mentally draining,” he said, revealing that he himself lost about 30 head of cattle during the May floods and is now struggling with the application process for alternative relief funding.
As the NSW Environmental Protection Agency warned in its recent 2024 State of the Environment report, climate change is leading to more intense rainfall events, a trend that threatens the stability of agriculture in the region. With every flood, farmers face not only immediate financial loss but also long-term viability challenges.
With the clock ticking and farmers’ livelihoods hanging in the balance, the urgent question remains: will the NSW government expedite the approval process and deliver the much-needed support before it’s too late? The community is watching closely as the situation develops, and many are left hoping for swift action and relief.
