Brian Mitchell, the Federal Labor Member for Lyons, says it is unacceptable that Tasmanian primary producers affected by the June floods are ineligible for up to $10,000 in assistance simply because they live in the wrong postcode.
“Twenty communities across Tasmania were affected by floods but only eight are at this stage eligible for clean-up grant funding,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Broken fences and paddocks littered with rocks affect farmers in the West Tamar as much as they affect farmers in Latrobe.
“We can do better than impose arbitrary hardships on people who have already lost so much.
Beauty Point farmers Bob Towns and Elaine Lewis have experienced deluges at their Gypsy Hill property since April. With paddocks drenched, hand-feeding livestock is expensive and calves require constant monitoring.
Mr Mitchell says concessional loans are not the answer.
“More debt just places additional pressure on their budget,” he says.
“But gaining access to the Primary Producer Clean-up grant would be of real assistance, enabling them to rebuild.”
West Tamar mayor Christina Holmdahl says her constituents deserve the same level of support being offered to other Tasmanian producers.
“Any financial support for our farmers is extremely welcomed, they are doing it tough,” she says.
The Tasmanian Flood Recovery Taskforce is continuing to accept submissions and is open to adding more municipal areas to the eight that are currently eligible.
BRIAN MITCHELL MEMBER FOR LYONS
