Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson has acknowledged today’s announcement of a $50 million Housing Support Package for residents impacted by the May floods, but says it still leaves many locals behind.
The package includes a one off $5,500 payment for eligible renters and grants up to $25,000 for uninsured homeowners to carry out urgent repairs to their properties.
Mrs Thompson said while any support is always welcome, it needs to go much further.
“Housing assistance is critical as people continue on the long road to recovery but what’s on offer is a drop in the ocean when you consider the scale of the damage we’ve seen,” Mrs Thompson said.
“$25,000 won’t even come close to covering the cost of rebuilding for a lot of people and the $100,000 income cap will exclude a lot of households who are also struggling.”
There are also concerns around the slow rollout of primary producer grants and the minimal assistance on the table for small businesses.
It comes after a Budget Estimates hearing yesterday revealed out of the 1036 primary producer grant applications, just 239 or about 23 percent have been approved.
“The delays we have seen are absolutely disgraceful and it’s contributing to the trauma people are already facing,” Mrs Thompson said.
“And to add insult to injury, our small businesses have also been completely ignored, meaning many in communities like Taree and Wingham are once again left without the help they need.
“They’ve received nothing under Category D and that’s just not good enough.”
Flood affected residents can contact the Housing Recovery Service from Monday, 25 August 2025 on 1800 695 043 to check eligibility and access support.
