Batlow orchardist demands a review into bushfire funding
A Batlow orchardist is urging a review of disaster recovery funding allocations after claiming the support processes for bushfire-hit areas have left severe gaps in rebuilding efforts following the devastating Black Summer bushfires. The orchardist, who was deeply impacted by the 2019-2020 bushfires, asserts that the current funding systems are insufficient to fully address the ongoing challenges faced by severely affected regions like Batlow.
The Black Summer bushfires were one of the most destructive fire seasons in Australian history, damaging over 24 million hectares of land across multiple states. The fires directly impacted the community of Batlow, a small rural town in New South Wales known for its apple orchards and agricultural contributions. Batlow was among the areas devastated, with many orchards, homes, and other critical infrastructure being destroyed during the fire event. The widespread destruction to the area disrupted local livelihoods and severely impacted the orcharding industry, which plays a pivotal role in the regional economy.
In statements reported by multiple media outlets, including “The Daily Advertiser”, the Batlow orchardist expressed frustration with the system of funding distribution and its perceived inability to adequately meet the needs of those most severely affected by the natural disaster. According to the orchardist, the funding mechanisms intended to assist in recovery and rebuilding efforts have not been effective in ensuring equitable or sufficient assistance across affected communities.
The orchardist points specifically to what they describe as “unacceptable delays” in the delivery of funds to eligible recipients, as well as the eligibility criteria that may be excluding those who need assistance the most. They claim that decisions around funding distribution lack transparency and have left some of the worst-hit farmers and orchard owners with inadequate support to rebuild their livelihoods. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about whether current processes overlook important factors such as the long-term recovery required in agricultural sectors, which may take years to return to pre-disaster levels of productivity.
Adding to the concerns expressed, several local leaders and members of disaster-hit communities have previously raised similar issues with bushfire relief and recovery funding. Reports from organisations such as the Australian National Audit Office have highlighted inconsistencies and delays in the administration of disaster support programs at various points since the Black Summer bushfires. While some affected residents and businesses have praised government grants and assistance programs for providing critical initial support, others have pointed out gaps in funding, particularly for medium- to long-term recovery needs.
The scale and intensity of the 2019-2020 bushfires posed an unprecedented challenge in managing recovery efforts. Both state and federal governments implemented a range of measures aimed at providing both immediate relief and longer-term rebuilding support. These included the Bushfire Recovery Grant programs, as well as financial grants for small business operators and primary producers affected by the disaster. Additionally, the National Bushfire Recovery Agency was established in early 2020 with a goal to coordinate the multi-billion-dollar federal response to recovery needs.
However, despite such efforts, there have been reports from disaster-affected areas that suggest inconsistencies remain in how recovery support is being distributed. A recurring critique has centred around eligibility thresholds for various forms of assistance. Farmers and others in agriculture-dependent areas like Batlow have argued that the criteria do not adequately account for the full extent of their losses. Agricultural recovery, in particular, presents unique challenges as orchards, crops, and livestock generally require extended recovery timelines, which exceed the short-term coverage that some grants provide.
The Batlow orchardist issuing the recent call for review is not alone in seeking reform and clearer accountability measures for recovery funding initiatives. Advocates for changes in disaster relief administration have also pointed out the critical importance of proactive response planning, ensuring that communities not only recover but are better equipped to face the impacts of future natural disasters. This includes providing support for climate resilience measures, implementing meaningful disaster risk reduction programmes, and streamlining the recovery funding process to ensure it is more timely and effective.
Although state and federal authorities have acknowledged the challenges involved in managing large-scale disaster recovery, no clear indication has been provided so far as to whether a formal review of bushfire funding allocation processes will be conducted. A spokesperson for the NSW government reportedly stated that ongoing adjustments to existing grant programmes aim to address concerns, and the feedback from affected residents and businesses is being considered in those efforts.
The town of Batlow itself has demonstrated significant resilience in the wake of the bushfires, with ongoing community-led rebuilding initiatives. Local farmers, businesses, and residents have worked together to restore parts of the town and its industries following the widespread damage. Economic recovery in the region, however, continues to face challenges. Agricultural experts have highlighted how recovery in heavily bushfire-damaged areas is often a years-long process, requiring consistent financial and technical support.
Calls for a comprehensive review of bushfire funding processes have gained some traction publicly as similar concerns have been raised in other impacted regions across the country. Advocates of such a review argue it would provide an opportunity to refine the disaster recovery framework, identify areas of improvement, and better meet the needs of diverse communities suffering from the effects of increasingly severe natural disasters.
Further concerns include the need for clearer timelines for delivering funds and an increased focus on the practical needs of specific industries, particularly agriculture, where specialised assistance and support can often play a critical role in enabling long-term recovery.
As of now, the Batlow orchardist’s call for a reassessment of funding processes has yet to prompt any official announcement from government authorities regarding changes or reviews. The issue remains a topic of discussion among stakeholders concerned with disaster recovery, transparency, and equitable allocation of resources.
References:
Original article: https://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/8873989/batlow-orchardist-demands-a-review-into-bushfire-funding/
Australian National Audit Office 2021 reports on disaster recovery grant implementation
Public statements and announcements from both the National Bushfire Recovery Agency and NSW government departments.
Other media reports and coverage of bushfire relief issues from sources such as ABC News, The Guardian, and local community interviews.