As the people of Gunnedah Shire are left picking up the pieces from yet another flood, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has written to the NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole requesting that the NSW Government expand the Infrastructure Betterment Fund to include the Gunnedah Shire.

Mr Anderson said after meeting with Gunnedah Shire residents and hearing the devastating stories of heartbreak and despair, more needs to be done to help them rebuild and repair.

“I have met extensively with communities in the Gunnedah Shire impacted by the floods, and my heart goes out to those who have once again been hammered by these unprecedented flooding events,” Mr Anderson said.

“Now is the time to put the people of Gunnedah first and help them pick up the pieces and look towards the future.”

Following the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, the NSW Government committed significant funding to the Northern Rivers and with the Gunnedah community facing their seventh flood in under 12 months, now is the time to look at expanding support to include the Gunnedah Shire.

“Ongoing flooding events have had a significant impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of so many in our communities, let alone the impact it has had on public infrastructure and roads,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are continuing to face a wet summer, which means we will remain under threat for some time, so now is the time to start preparing to rebuild and recovery.

“We need to build our communities back better, stronger, and more prepared for future floods, which is why I have written to the Deputy Premier Paul Toole seeking his support as we rebuild.

“It has become clear that we need similar solutions in our communities, and I have requested that the Deputy Premier and the NSW Government investigate all options when it comes to building a more resilient Gunnedah community.”