Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon says Singleton has been "snubbed", after the LGA missed out on a third extension of funding for areas experiencing hardship due to drought.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The federal government announced a further 13 councils in a list of 123 eligible for $1 million each under the Drought Communities Programme funding. Muswellbrook is on the list.
The Department of Primary Industries' drought map indicates around half of Singleton is in drought, while Muswellbrook is mostly in drought.
The mayor of Moyne Shire, in Victoria, said he was surprised to find out the the government had included his LGA in the extension when no application had been made by the council.
"We have not applied for or lobbied about this funding," Cr Mick Wolfe told The Standard. "It has come completely out of the blue."
Related stories:
Government has responded saying the list was based on the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Agriculture.
Mr Fitzgibbon said the inclusion of Moyne and not Singleton was "yet another example of the inadequacy and ad hoc nature of the Morrison Government's drought response".
"Representations on behalf of Singleton Council have again been ignored and people are right to be angry," he said.
"They are among Scott Morrison's forgotten people."
While you're with us, did you know Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here.
IN NEWS TODAY:
- Trudy Dreyer's family say they are "heartbroken" after the suspected murder-suicide at Doyles Creek
- Local government minister Shelley Hancock expected to inspect Stockton erosion on Monday
- Health consumer groups say NSW Government review submission will further reduce doctor scrutiny
- Newcastle tourism boom - City's visitor numbers up 60 per cent over five years
- Joanne McCarthy writes: Climate Change, Greta Thunberg and the giant mess that Donald Trump will cause, but won't live to see
