JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Senator Fiona Nash
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education
Senator for New South Wales
Katrina Hodgkinson
NSW Shadow Minister for Natural Resources Management
State Member for Burrinjuck
The NSW Nationals Senator, Fiona Nash, and State Member for Burrinjuck, Katrina Hodgkinson, urge the state and federal governments to provide immediate support to farmers who have damaged and ruined crops from heavy rain.
More than 180 millimetres of rain fell in parts of the state’s south this week, around Young and surrounding towns. Heavy falls have been reported elsewhere in the state, as well as Queensland and Victoria.
“This deluge is the last thing our farmers need after nearly a decade of drought. Just as they were hoping for a bumper crop to repay debt, they now face damaged or ruined crops,” Senator Nash said.
“Many of these crops will be downgraded meaning a significant loss for farmers.”
Katrina Hodgkinson this week wrote to, and met the NSW Agriculture Minister, Steve Whan, urging him to declare the Young and Weddin Shires as Natural Disaster areas.
She and Senator Nash are very concerned about the emotional toll the devastating rains will have on farmers and others in the community. Ms Hodgkinson said she’s personally been contacted by a labourer who was alarmed at discussions among farmers at a local pub.
“I have been informed of several farmers who have increased their debt levels to purchase new equipment. This was done in the expectation of a good crop following the earlier rains that broke the extended drought. These expectations have now been dashed and I have grave concerns about the safety of these people, particularly as Christmas approaches.
"I strongly urge anyone who thinks they’ve reached the end of their tether to call Lifeline on 13 11 14, contact their local Community Health Service or talk to someone who will listen and help.”
Senator Nash and Katrina Hodgkinson have invited Mr Whan and the federal agriculture minister, Senator Joe Ludwig, to tour affected regions and to see the damage themselves.
“I’m pleased the federal Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Mike Kelly, indicated he was willing to go out and inspect the damage during a panel discussion on ABC 24 yesterday. Let’s hope he’ll bring with him Senator Ludwig and Mr Whan,” Senator Nash said.
Katrina Hodgkinson said they must also immediately commit to full Natural Disaster Relief at a state level. Senator Nash said EC assistance must also be urgently considered.
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