North western NSW residents ineligible for flood payment
14-February-2011
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has called on the Attorney-General to declare Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke and Warren Shire Council areas in north western NSW eligible for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP).
The AGDRP provides one off payments of $1000 for adults and $400 for children in areas that have been adversely affected by a major or widespread disaster.
“The flood waters coming down from Queensland are isolating many communities and individuals in the Parkes Electorate. Towns such as Lightning Ridge, Goodooga and Angledool in the north western region have not been declared eligible for the AGDRP, even though they are experiencing the widespread flooding that hit Queensland.”
The call comes as numerous constituents in the Parkes Electorate contacted Mr Coulton after having their AGDRP applications rejected by Centrelink.
“The flooding has significantly affected the people in these areas both financially and emotionally. This payment would take the financial pressure off families and individuals, and assist in purchasing essential items.”
“Just because the flooding in this area is slow moving and long lasting, doesn’t mean the effects are any less devastating than those experienced in Queensland. The Attorney-General needs to step up and declare the Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Warren shires eligible to receive this payment immediately”, Mr Coulton stated.
“The people in the north western part of the Parkes Electorate are crying out for assistance and the Government is ignoring them.”