Farmers and community members in Eildon and throughout the state are battling with the impact of flooding, heavy rainfall and landslips which the local MP and shadow sports minister stands in contrast to an 11th-hour $15 million Victorian rescue package for the national netball side.
Cindy McLeish told Flow voters were entitled to be cynical about a commitment made by the Andrews Labor government on the last day it could legally do so before caretaker provisions kicked in on Tuesday, as the writs were formally issued for the 26 November state election.
Hear the full interview on the Flow podcast player below:
On Tuesday the state government announced in tandem with the Albanese Labor federal government $877 million in measures to support flood impacted farmers, businesses and communities.
Grants of up to $50,000 will be available to eligible groups under the package to support recovery efforts including rebuilding damaged infrastructure and replacing damaged assets.
More than $22 million has been made available to facilitate the development of recovery plans, provide mental health support and assist in grant applications.
Business chamber and trader groups programs will also enable local solutions for business activation, Premier Daniel Andrews said on Tuesday:
"We're making sure flood-affected business owners and communities have the support they need to rebuild and return to trade as quickly and safely as possible."
Recovery grants of up to $200,000 will also be available for medium and large businesses directly impacted.
To assist primary producers, grants of up to $75,000 will be offered as part of a recovery support package complementing the existing Primary Producer Concessional Loan Program, announced last week.
Flood-affected sport and recreational clubs will be eligible for a $5000 recovery grant.
Assistance received via Victoria's existing $5000 Small Business Immediate Flood Relief and $10,000 Primary Producer Flood Relief programs will be included in the amounts available through the latest grants.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the additional $877 million in support would mean Victorian businesses would be able to rebuild with confidence.
Climate Action minister Lily D'Ambrosio on Sunday announced flood-impacted Victorian communities would be able to access up to $130 million to clear land, remove hazards or carrying out immediate repairs.
Although conditions are easing, more than 90 emergency warnings are current across Victoria.
Evacuation warnings are in place at Echuca on the Murray River.
A gastroenteritis alert has also been issued for residents in border towns along the river due to contaminated stagnant floodwater.
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