Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has raised the need for further flood recovery payments in Parliament, directing a question towards the Minister for Emergency Services during the recent sitting week.
Ms Cleeland said that local residents and farmers had not received appropriate amounts of support following the October 2022 floods, and recent floods in December and January had only made the matter worse.
“Initial grants were completely inadequate at covering the impact of the October 2022 floods, and now our local residents and farmers are having to deal with the same issue all over again this year,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Understandably, our farmers are frustrated having rebuilt fences only for them to be flattened again less than 16 months later.
“Too many of my constituents have been left with minimal support as they are stuck cleaning up yet another flood.”
Ms Cleeland also addressed insurance challenges that residents in impacted towns like Seymour, Benalla, and Heathcote were dealing with.
“On top of the grants not being enough, and no longer being available, our residents and farmers are finding it impossible to get insurance – leaving them considerably out-of-pocket,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our regional producers and residents cannot be left to tread water as the persistent threat of floods remain – more financial support is essential to get them back on their feet.”
Ms Cleeland also met with the Agriculture Minister, raising the concerns of local farmers and regional residents who have continued to struggle with a lack of funding and support following recent flood events.
“The financial burden of these floods continues to have a profound impact on the mental health of our residents and farmers,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I will continue to advocate for our affected community members and ensure they get the support they deserve to rebuild and thrive.”
