The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to increase support for residents displaced by the devastating floods in the mid-north coast and hunter regions, after the announcement of Pod homes for primary producers.
Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson raised questions around the narrow eligibility criteria and why more people weren’t included under the program.
“While I acknowledge this temporary housing is a start, it won’t help anywhere near enough people, given hundreds of dwellings were left uninhabitable after the floods,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Many locals have been living in sheds, tents, or relying on family just to get by. It’s simply not good enough that it’s taken 10 weeks to get even the most basic support in place.”
“While I’ll always welcome support for farmers, this should be extended to cover anyone who is unable to return to their homes right now,” she said.
The guidelines for the self-contained Pods state you must be ‘uninsured for flood’ and the program ‘does not aim to support people who are not dependent on farming operations as their primary source of income’.
Mrs Thompson said those impacted have had enough of the red tape.
“The last thing people need when they are trying to get back on their feet is more unnecessary regulations and paperwork stopping them from moving forward,” Mrs Thompson said.
“The Government needs to do more to ensure everyone and anyone
