MEDIA: WILLIAMSON URGES GREATER SUPPORT FOR FARMERS IMPACTED BY NATURAL DISASTERS

Nationals Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has renewed his call in the NSW Parliament for urgent and increased support for farming communities across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys following the latest natural disaster declaration.

Mr Williamson used both a Private Members Statement and a formal Notice of Motion this week to highlight the cumulative toll repeated natural disasters are having on regional families, particularly those on the land.

“The cumulative impact of natural disasters is not lost on me, and it certainly shouldn’t be lost on the Minns Labor Government,” Mr Williamson told Parliament.

The Clarence MP emphasised that the recent flooding triggered by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has devastated local farming industries, with widespread crop destruction and income loss for families already doing it tough.

He noted that key regional industries – including soybeans, sugar cane, beef cattle, and timber – have been heavily affected by the ongoing wet conditions.

“These industries are the backbone of our local economy and community, and right now, they are doing it incredibly tough,” Mr Williamson said.

Mr Williamson expressed frustration that, while the Queensland Government has already applied for and received Category C disaster funding under the same weather event, the NSW Government has yet to do so.

“To the best of my knowledge, the NSW Government hasn’t applied for this vital funding. The only difference appears to be the state border – and that’s just a line on a map,” he said.

Category C funding under the joint State-Federal Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements provides critical financial assistance to primary producers recovering from severe events. Mr Williamson stressed that Northern NSW families should not be left behind simply because of jurisdictional delay or inaction.

“Our farming communities need help now. This isn’t about politics – it’s about fairness, equity, and making sure regional families get the support they need after yet another setback.”

In his Notice of Motion, Mr Williamson called on the NSW Government to apply for Category C disaster recovery assistance without further delay and condemned its failure to do so.

“It’s time to step up. Our farmers have weathered drought, fires, floods and pandemics. They need to know their government has their back.”

PHOTO: Richie Williamson is pictured post Tropical Cyclone Alfred with local farmers from Warregah and Chatsworth Islands, Peter Castle, Shane Causley & Tim McMahon whose soy bean and sugar cane crops have been impacted.