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2010 Riverina flood victims not forgotten
14-October-2011
One year after riverine flooding inundated more that 40 homes in the Riverina, the Member for Farrer has asked the new NSW Coalition Government to assist those still seeking federal funding assistance.
The Federal Attorney General has advised these people remain ineligible for up to $1000
in government disaster assistance because, collectively, not enough homes were flooded here compared to Queensland or Victoria.
Ms Ley says “this decision is not only cruel, it is stupid. A flood is a flood, no matter how many people have to evacuate and no matter where you happen to live”.
Over October 2010, the NSW Bureau of Meteorology recorded between 100 to 250 millimetres of rain in our region. In a number of towns monthly totals exceeded all-time records dating back to the late 1800’s.
In one 48 hour period SES crews reported over 60 flood rescues after homes were inundated
at Tumut, Adelong, Tarcutta, Ladysmith, Wagga Wagga, Uranquinty, The Rock, Yerong Creek, Culcairn, Henty, Morven, Holbrook, Walbundrie, Rand, Tooma and Jingellic.
“The flooding here might not have made the 6pm National News but in my book it was just as devastating to those affected. It appears the Attorney’s ruling may have also been affected by the previous NSW Government’s delayed and inadequate assessment of this impact”.
“Today I have written to the NSW Emergency Services Minister seeking his support to change the Federal Government’s ruling. It is blatantly unfair and we will continue fighting for what is right”, Ms Ley concluded.