Narromine Shire has received much-needed funding support to help repair damage caused by ongoing rain around the region.
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Both the state and federal governments came up with funding last week, after months of lobbying from local primary producers and the council.
Both governments are contributing to the state natural disaster relief and recovery arrangement.
“Natural disasters can have an enormous impact on our economy and can cripple local businesses and communities,” federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said.
One family which understands that statement is the Broughtons. Their road has been closed for almost six months.
Primary producers Greg and Kate Broughton, on Jamea Road in Dandaloo, have had up to 3.5 km of road under water at one time since the April rainfall.
“The biggest thing for us is the road has been closed since April and Narromine Shire Council have no money to fix the road,” Mrs Broughton said.
“We can’t get stock in, although we can try and walk them in. We can’t get fuel in. We haven’t been able to spray [crops]. We can’t even get a plane in because we can’t get a fuel truck to them.”
Mrs Broughton said although the damage to the farm from rain is bad, the biggest issue is their road.
“We’re just trying to support council to fix the road. The council said it’ll be $560,000 to fix it and they don’t have that in their budget,” she said.
“The road is the biggest headache, getting the road fixed would make our lives so much easier.”
The Broughton’s prayers may have been answered as the announced funding includes money for councils.
Both Mr Coulton and state member for Narromine and deputy premier Troy Grant announced assistance for local governments, primary producers, not-for-profit organisations and people whose belongings or homes have been damaged.
For the damage to be measured, however, the rain has to stop. This week another 100mm of rain is predicted and it’s not welcome at the Broughton’s place.
“It definitely wouldn’t do us any good, but we’re in the same boat as anyone else,” Mrs Broughton said.
“Fingers crossed we’re on the lower end of this rain.”