New South Wales Nationals Senator and Shadow Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Ross Cadell has welcomed the long overdue approval of Category D funding for flood affected communities across New South Wales, calling it a crucial step forward in helping regional residents and businesses recover and rebuild.

The funding comes after more than five weeks of repeated calls and protests from locals and farmers for the New South Wales Government to recognise the devastating impact recent floods have had on these regional communities.

“The New South Wales Government finally came to their senses while residents were cleaning up and fighting for their communities and each other,” Cadell said.

Category D assistance is the highest level of disaster relief funding under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), reserved for exceptional circumstances where additional support is needed to recover from severe events.

“This Category D funding is not just welcome, it’s essential. But it should never have taken this long.”

Residents and businesses across the region will be able to apply for grants of up to $75,000 to aid the recovery effort.

Senator Cadell has also called for greater clarity and speed in the delivery of the higher-level funding.

“Now that the support has finally been announced, we need to make sure it reaches those who need it most. Delays in the process only prolong the suffering of those already doing it tough.”

Senator Cadell continues to push for a more responsive and transparent emergency management system that puts communities first and ensures quicker activation of disaster support.