News

McCurdy seeks flood fencing funding

Thursday 10 January 2019

Nationals Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy MP, has again called for support from the Victorian Government for fencing grants in the wake of the devastating December flooding event that hit Everton, Tarrawingee, and other local farming communities.

Mr McCurdy called on the newly appointed Minister for Agriculture to provide urgent funding for fencing in Parliament on 19 December 2018, the only parliamentary sitting day in December.

“I haven’t heard from Minister Symes yet,” Mr McCurdy has revealed.

Mr McCurdy is concerned that although the flood had devastating effects on local farmers and communities, the event does not appear to be widespread enough to trigger the federal and state funding thresholds for grants and low interest loans.

Mr McCurdy attended an Agriculture Victoria flood meeting in Tarrawingee this Wednesday evening attended by over 60 people.

“It was pleasing the Department of Agriculture are active in providing advice to flood affected farmers. Last night they provided excellent information on feeding stock and re-establishing pasture, but fencing damage and loss is the biggest issue that has been raised with me, and so far this has not been addressed by the Government.”

Mr McCurdy said that farming families were already hurting from the dry conditions and now flooding woes have compounded financial losses.

“I hope that Minister Symes as the Member for Northern Victoria will be keen to support the farming families that she represents.

“As the Minister she does not have to wait for federal funding, she can show leadership and support these farmers with state funds.”

Mr McCurdy is continuing to meet with flood affected communities and will continue to press the Victorian Government to respond to the funding needs of these communities.