Nationals Senator for New South Wales, and Shadow Minister for Emergency Management, Ross Cadell, has welcomed the announcement of additional funding for bushfire hit communities, including $50 million to support farmers who have been left with blackened paddocks as a result of the devastating blazes.

Senator Cadell said that while the funds would be welcome news for regional Victorian communities, he stressed the money needed to be made available quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy.

“The road to recovery for our primary producers will be a long one and will require ongoing support from all levels of government,” Cadell said.

“The current model has farmers shouldering the full financial burden up front to fund their recovery hoping they will receive a reimbursement in time.

“In times of crisis, a quick response is just as valuable as a rich response.

“Our farmers have lost stock, fences, sheds, and overall, their livelihoods, but are now be asked to front up more cash to rebuild what has been lost.

“Being asked to pay upfront and claim later doesn’t pass the pub test.”