NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders has visited Broken Hill, a community still reeling after last week’s tornado.
Power was finally restored to the region yesterday morning after 36 hours in the dark, but people are still experiencing blackouts and brownouts as they rely on seven generators to meet their needs.
Mr Saunders was briefed by Mayor Tom Kennedy and Council GM Jay Nankivell, and he has thanked all emergency services personnel and volunteers for the incredible work they are doing.
“The feeling on the ground is not great. Community members are tired and angry after a lack of urgency by the Minns Government to recognise the severity of this situation and offer them the support they need,” Mr Saunders said.
“It’s good to see the Premier has decided to visit the region, but residents are disappointed it has taken this long.
“It is clear the joint Commonwealth-State disaster recovery funding arrangements announced on Tuesday are simply not enough and we need to get more targeted support out the door quickly to allow struggling businesses and residents to get back on their feet.”
Mr Saunders said many people he’s spoken to tell him how they’ve had to throw out hundreds of dollars’ worth of food, yet there is no clarity around assistance for families who are already facing a cost-of-living crisis.
“Right now locals don’t care about an inquiry into what has happened, because they just need to know what their next few hours, days, and weeks will look like.
“In tough times, country communities come together, and I saw that as I spoke to locals.
“The Broken Hill Musicians Club, managed by Michael Boland, is the perfect example of this, acting as an evacuation centre and giving hundreds of residents a focal point to charge their phones, access fresh food, and connect with each other.
“Our western communities need us right now and we need to stand with them during this difficult time,” Mr Saunders said.
