Just as Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and Shadow Minister for Emergency Management Senator Perin Davey called for the Albanese government to cough up more money for the flood ravaged Northern Rivers, on Friday June 30, a further $1.8 billion was announced, but it’s only for councils.
Mr Hogan and Senator Davey said the Labor government slowness on flood mitigation and support for the community were unacceptable.
“16 months ago, I secured $150 million to go towards flood mitigation projects in the Northern Rivers.”, Mr Hogan said.
“This money was allocated out of the 2022/2023 financial year. Today is June 30, the end of the 2022/2023 financial year. $100 million of this is yet to be allocated.
“$50 million was allocated a few months ago but none of the work has started. This is completely unacceptable for a community that has gone through Australia’s largest ever natural disaster.”
The slow rollout of the Resilient Homes and Buyback programs has seen the number of homeowners eligible for buybacks slashed by almost half, leaving many residents whose homes were flooded with little hope.
Senator Davey said over 6,000 expressions of interest were received and around 2,000 homes were identified as unsafe and eligible for a buyback, but we now learn only 1,100 will get this.
“The fund needs to be topped up so all homes can be involved in the buyback program,” she said.
Coinciding with the end of the financial year, the Albanese government announced it will advance $1.8 billion in disaster payments to state governments so councils can fast track local repair works.
Of the almost $1.8 billion announced, NSW will receive more than any other state with $887,723,570 toward an estimated $2,219,308,926 in disaster relief projects in 2023 and 2024.
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said the funding allocation was in response to calls from the states, local governments and peak bodies.
“During the Australian Council of Local Government conference in Canberra this month, Mayors and Council representatives were clear about the growing need for more up-front help, and I’m very pleased the Albanese Government has been able to deliver that so quickly,” Minister McBain said.
“Councils are on the frontline of disasters, and we need to ensure they are adequately supported both in planning for and recovering from disasters.”
Australian Local Government Association President Councillor Linda Scott said the advance payments would be welcomed by disaster-impacted councils, especially in regional and remote areas.
“This fast-tracked federal funding will play a key role in helping our disaster-impacted communities recover and rebuild,” Cr Scott said.
“We have consistently advocated for the need for faster disaster recovery payments, and we are thrilled that the Government has heard our call and responded with this once-off advance payment.”