Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud has told Goulburn Valley and Campaspe Valley residents to brace for a long clean-up and recovery from last month’s flooding.
Mr Littleproud visited Rochester, Undera and Shepparton as well as some orchards in the region affected by Tuesday’s hailstorm alongside Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell.
He said there were some tweaks to flood recovery he would urge the Federal Government to make, including making recovery funds exempt from being considered taxable income and making it easier for people to lodge financial statements.
“It’s giving some people some time to breathe, take a break to focus on the recovery rather than their finances,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We’re going to continue to work constructively with the government and I think the government has been responsive during the crisis.”
Mr Littleproud said the “one percenters” were needed to help communities rebuild.
“It’s things like getting insurance companies to try and source and procure materials locally, like in Rochester they need to get their materials from the Mitre 10 there and it gets people and communities back up on their feet again,” he said.
“It's important we keep coming back listening, learning and making sure that if we have to tweak our response we do that.
“It’s been really impressive way that people have banded together.”
Mr Birrell said he could hardly believe the “devastation” he saw at some rural properties and farms just outside Rochester.
“It’s been a really difficult time for the region and we’re going to need all the support we can get,” he said.
“Farmers are concerned and I’ve been wanting to talk about the help available.”
He urged people to go to flood recovery centres such as the one in Shepparton and in Rochester to see what could be done to help.