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Urgent NSW Government support needed as Richmond and Clarence Valleys face billion-dollar fre ant threat

An outbreak of fre ants in the Northern Rivers, which the NSW Government admits could cost one billion dollars, requires immediate action from State Premier Chris Minns, Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has told the NSW Parliament.

“These pests cause grievous harm to their victims - be they humans, native fauna or livestock,” Mr Williamson said.

“Small businesses and family farms are going to cop it big time and they need immediate assurances that the NSW Labor Government will be on their side just as the previous Coalition Government was on our side when we went through drought, fres, COVID and foods.”

Mr Williamson said that without immediate action, this could become a biosecurity and economic nightmare for communities across the Richmond and Clarence Valleys and beyond.

“We need to wipe out the infestation as quickly as possible and we need to support fnancially the many affected by the crisis,” Mr Williamson said.

“This Sydney Labor Government has not been great for regional areas like ours so far, but this has nothing to do with party politics; its about lives and livelihoods and I urge the Premier to show the leadership we need in these dark times,” Mr Williamson concluded.

“We are a place-based organisation, and it is this place and this community that guides us and determines who we are and what we do. Our community has worked together, to save ourselves and to restore and retain our community identity as we walk the long road of recovery.

“Resilient Lismore is a clear and important example of the power and strength of communities when they come together in a coordinated effort and demonstrates the critical importance of community-led initiatives in disaster recovery.”

“Resilient Lismore is agile. Being both connected to, and part of, the community, the organisation is able to quickly deliver what its community needs.”

“The Northern Rivers faces a long and diffcult journey to recovery.

Resilient Lismore will be there every step of the way, helping to repair and rebuild, and drive the resilience of our beloved community.”

The Board is very proud of the efforts of all the staff and volunteers who have delivered such an impact since the disaster in 2022, and we are committed to continuing to support our community in meaningful ways.

Quotes attributed to Elly Bird, Executive Director:

“Moving into 2024, Resilient Lismore is working to scale up its rebuild and repair program, as the only community NGO delivering this type of assistance. We are acutely aware of the signifcant need that still exists across the region and are doing everything we can to respond.”

“We would not have been able to achieve the things we have without the help and support of our generous partners, including the Diocese of Lismore, The Winsome, Joel Jensen Constructions, The Reece Foundation, and so many more.”

“This is an ‘allshoulders to the wheel’ recovery. Many hands make light work, and there are many ways that local people and businesses can contribute to our community recovery. We encourage local businesses to get involved in any way they can and would welcome conversations as to what that looks like. We are also very keen to continue to partner with external organisations and networks.”

You can download the full report at https:// www.foodhelpnr.com. au/publications

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