BY PETER HYSLOP
The Nationals are ramping up their calls for the Federal Government to release Category D funding, the highest category of disaster assistance, for flood stricken residents.
The annual conference at the weekend voted to condemn the Federal and State Governments for failing to provide it so far.
The funding must be agreed to by the Prime Minister, he’s currently in Canada for the G7 summit.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles says the Government’s waiting for recommendations from officials on the ground.
“Well that will be worked through in the normal course,” he said.
“In relation to what flooding has occurred, the process will be playing out in a way which seeks to deal with this as quickly as we can.
“Obviously we are very mindful of the impact of flooding that has occurred … making sure the appropriate support if provided as quickly as possible,” he said.
Upper Hunter state Nationals MP Dave Layzell says communities in the Hunter and Mid North Coast are struggling.
“Last night people were contacting me sending me photos of their properties completely surrounded in floodwater,” he said.
“People are just really angry about it and we need to get this problem fixed,” he said.