Nationals Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, has written to NSW Premier Chris Minns, calling for urgent action to address the inconsistent and unfair rollout of disaster relief funding in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Mr Williamson has urged the Premier to intervene and ensure that all impacted communities in the Richmond and Clarence valleys receive financial assistance—not just select townships like Yamba.
“The $180 hardship payment per individual (up to $900 per family) jointly provided by the State and Federal Governments is welcome relief,” Mr Williamson said.
“However, the $1,000 Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) has only been activated in the Ballina, Byron, Lismore, and Tweed LGAs, along with select towns in the Clarence Valley (Yamba) and Kyogle (Lillian Rock) LGAs—despite many other communities across the Richmond and Clarence valleys suffering severe flooding, isolation, and major property damage.”
Mr Williamson is pushing for the AGDRP to be extended to all affected communities in the Richmond and Clarence valleys, including Coraki, Broadwater, Woodburn, and low-lying areas around Grafton and Maclean, which have been heavily impacted.
“The ad hoc way funding is being announced is causing confusion and unnecessary distress for residents who are already struggling,” he said.
Mr Williamson has also called for immediate grants—not just concessional loans—for primary producers, who have suffered devastating losses across the sugar cane, beef, dairy, soybean, forestry, and fishing industries.
“In the 2022 floods, primary producers were provided with grants of up to $75,000, yet so far, the Minns Government has offered them nothing,” he said.
“We need real financial support for farmers to help repair fences, replant crops, restore pastures, dispose of flood debris, and invest in flood-resilient infrastructure.”
Mr Williamson said the lack of consistency in the way funding is being distributed is frustrating communities still recovering from past disasters.
“There is no justification for this piecemeal approach. Our communities need certainty and fairness when it comes to government support,” he said.
“I have called on the Premier to immediately take up this issue with the Prime Minister to ensure all impacted communities receive the help they desperately need.”
Mr Williamson also highlighted the strict eligibility criteria set by the Federal Government that individuals must meet to access the AGDRP, ensuring that people understand this is not a broad handout but targeted assistance for those directly affected. If a review opens availability for our area to be eligible, you must have been directly affected by the declared disaster, including one or more of the following:
Major damage to your principal place of residence.
Major damage to a major asset or assets that you own at your principal place of residence.
Serious injury.
An immediate family member who is an Australian citizen or resident has died or is missing.
“We need to make sure that those who have suffered real and significant losses receive the help they need, and that assistance is extended to all impacted communities,” Mr Williamson said.
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