Victorians are set to miss out on a piece of the Albanese Labor Government’s $1.8 billion disaster recovery plan, impacting flood-ravaged communities like Seymour and Nagambie, and hitting the hip pocket of everyone in the state.
Every other state will receive advance disaster recovery payments for declared states of natural disaster, while Victorians miss out after Premier Daniel Andrews’ arrogantly refused to declare the same during the October 2022 floods.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said that this latest snub is another demonstration of Daniel Andrews’ arrogance and contempt for regional Victorians.
“If the Premier had spent any time in these flood affected communities like so many of the Nationals MPs did, he would understand the destruction caused, and the long path ahead to rebuild and recover,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Daniel Andrews arrogantly refused to listen to communities, local councils and the Liberals and Nationals, and Victorians will now miss out on vital funds when they need it most.
“Towns like Nagambie are still working to get back on their feet, with houses, farms, businesses, and the local tourism industry still feeling the impact of October’s floods.
“The Premier should be standing by Victorians desperate for cash flow to help rebuild after the devastating 2022 floods. Yet again, Victorians are being punished for Labor’s incompetence.”
While Victoria will receive nothing, New South Wales will receive almost $900 million in advance payments for reconstruction costs.
In October last year, the Liberals and Nationals called on the Andrews Labor Government to declare a natural disaster in flood affected local government areas. The declaration would have made Victorians eligible for advance payments.
Not only does the funding snub impact flood-affected communities, it also affects the bottom line of every Victorian.
Amid Labor’s spiralling debt, Victorians are now being lumped with a costly recovery bill while other states receive further financial assistance.
