The soul-destroying floods in rural New South Wales and Queensland are affecting rural people who matter to Australia's very existence and who are the backbone of Australia's economy. With the Federal Election on the horizon, this flood is an eye-opener for all political parties to make a commitment to the health of the economic powerhouse that rural Australia is for the rest of the country.
Following the devastation caused just weeks ago by ex-Cyclone Alfred, now rural Australians are grappling with unprecedented floods that are disrupting livelihoods and damaging property. Over 100,000 head of livestock are either dead or missing while agricultural land and thousands of kilometres of roads continue to be inundated.
"The health and safety of these communities are at risk, and the impacts extend well beyond rural areas, affecting the broader Australian population through the spread of illness and rising costs of food, goods and services. The disruption of production and services in terms of agriculture, small businesses and tourism in rural areas cause ripple effects on the economy, creating further stress on all Australians who currently face cost-of-living pressures," said National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
"Beyond the immediate support for these rural communities, we are asking politicians on all sides, in the lead-up to the Federal Election, to commit to an all-encompassing National Rural Health Strategy with appropriate funding to equip rural communities to cope with the ongoing health issues from these kinds of natural disasters," added Ms Tegen.
NRHA highlights the numerous health challenges posed by floods, including food insecurity, poor air quality, increased mosquito and black flies with ensuring disease spread, limited access to essential medications, respiratory illnesses caused by mould, as well as water- and air-borne diseases. Providing food and treatment for livestock becomes more difficult, compounding the problems for rural families.
"Recovery efforts must take a multifaceted approach, addressing not only the physical damage but also the mental and emotional distress caused by the loss of homes, property, livestock, and pets," Ms Tegen said.
In addition, NRHA is alarmed by reports of insurance premiums in Queensland rising by as much as 300 per cent in the wake of ex-cyclone Alfred. Annual premiums have soared from $3,500 to $13,500 and more in just two years, forcing many families to choose between paying for insurance and meeting their home loan payments. As a result, a growing number of rural Australians are now opting to forgo flood insurance due to its increasing unaffordability.
"Natural disasters, including floods, droughts, bushfires, and storms, are a constant reality for rural communities. It is unacceptable that there is still no cohesive, long-term strategy to mitigate health impacts and provide lasting solutions," said Ms Tegen.
About us:
The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) comprises 53 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the over 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector and students.
