Today Jenny Aitchison, Member for Maitland, along with Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington, met with the Premier and the Regional Recovery Co-ordinator, Brigadier Darren Naumann. It was announced that the Federal government has activated their Category C funding for primary producers in the Maitland LGA.

“I have been advocating strongly for Maitland residents, businesses and farmers since they were adversely affected by the April storm, so I am pleased that the Premier is taking an on-going interest in the recovery process in our area. It is heartening to see that, seven weeks after the storm, this help is being offered,” Ms Aitchison said.

“People such as dairy farmers Grahame and Margaret Peacock suffered devastating losses in April. They lost pastures and equipment that they would normally use to begin their recovery. While they are eligible for the $15,000 grant, they have already spent $8,000 on feed, this is half what they will need to buy, so the grant is vital. There is still fencing, labour and materials to pay for which will not be covered by the grant.”

The Department of Primary Industry is holding drop-in centres to help those affected apply for this funding. They will advise on whether people are eligible and how to apply.

“This new funding will make a difference to getting our primary producers back on their feet. I encourage all eligible people to attend the DPI drop-in centres and also to persist with their insurers to get what they are entitled to,” Ms Aitchison concluded.