Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has spoken with the Minister in charge of disaster assistance Michael Keenan following this month’s storm and flooding events. “We are only now starting to count the coast of the severe weather event that hit our communities from Lismore in the north to Woolgoolga in the south,” Mr Hogan said. “What is already clear is that a large amount of damage has been done to local infrastructure like roads and bridges. “I’ve also had many calls from farmers whose fences have been damaged or destroyed. “While I will remain in constant contact with Minister Keenan, I would like to remind farmers that they can already take advantage of the Government’s program to immediately deduct the cost of new fencing.” Mr Hogan visited the SES Northern Rivers headquarters to get a briefing on the situation, following the storms. “I would like to thank our emergency service workers and council staff who worked throughout the weekend of the event, saving lives and preventing even more damage,” Mr Hogan said. “The SES alone took over 500 calls for assistance. These people are volunteers and deserve a big thank you from all of us. Our community is at its best through these events, people helping others and going out of their way to assist. To everyone who was involved, thank you.”