23/03/2021
Hi Everyone.
I first need to shout out to my amazing staff who as always, have been simply extraordinary during the extraordinary.
While I managed to keep the lights on during the Bushfires, the last flood - via Bells Line of Road - and Covid, I'm not about to take produce off the shelves at Coles or IGA to keep my doors open.
And when emergency supplies do arrive, and I'm certain they will, they need to be in your pantry, not mine.
So I've made the decision that we'll be closing at 6:00pm today, or earlier if the milk runs out. Any fresh stock or produce that remains will be sent up to the North Richmond Evacuation Centre, although I can't say there will be much as I didn't receive my Monday or Tuesday deliveries.
I spent much of yesterday on the phone chasing delivery drivers about the place, tracking down my missing deliveries. I'll be donating those products to one of the evacuation centres east of the river later today. I hope people are fond of croissants!
In the interim, keep safe, keep dry and keep well.
We'll be back soon.
Mathew.
*** UPDATE 11.30AM: I'VE JUST BEEN ADVISED BY THE FEDERAL MINISTER'S OFFICE OF A MEETING BETWEEN THE SUPERMARKETS AND KEY NSW AGENCIES TO RESOLVE THE FOOD SHORTAGE ISSUE WEST OF THE RIVER. ***
I will keep you updated.
STATEMENT: HAWKESBURY FLOODS
I have been in direct contact with Federal Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud since last night about the urgent need for essential food and medical supplies for communities isolated on the western side of the river.
I believe Defence Force resources could assist the State Emergency Service (SES) with this task.
The critical situation is the result of the bridges being closed and a landslide at Mount Tomah cutting road access on Bells Line of Road.
It means shops have unable to restock essentials like bread, milk, and nappies.
When I spoke with Coles yesterday they said they had two trucks ready to go in but were denied access.
In addition to asking for help from the Federal Minister I have also raised the issue with Resilience NSW.
There is a lot of demand being placed on the SES, with evacuations across the region, including in the Upper Colo. The SES volunteers are doing a fantastic job, but I would urge the NSW Government to take up the Federal Government’s offer of Defence assistance to get supplies to these isolated communities.
Heavy-lift helicopters could be used out of Richmond RAAF base – just kilometres away – to lift supplies into this area.
We also need to know from the NSW Government what steps are being taken to reopen the road at Mount Tomah, and when will it reopen.
This road has now been closed for two days and we need the reopening to be treated as a matter of priority.
I will continue to provide updates on the situation whenever possible.