A DECISON by the National Party's federal leadership team to come to the Tweed to discuss urgent financial assistance for farmers paid for by the flood levy has been described as remarkable by Labor MP for Richmond, Justine Elliot.

Mrs Elliot said yesterday it was “remarkable that National Party MPs have come to the Tweed to discuss the flood levy when they so widely opposed it”.

On Tuesday National Party leader Warren Truss, along with Sen. Barnaby Joyce and Sen. Nigel Scullin met Tweed canegrowers who are calling for funding to help them replant cane this year after previous crops were ruined by heavy rain.

Mrs Elliot said local farmers affected by natural disasters were already eligible for help.

“The Australian Government is providing support to disaster-affected communities through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, which include financial measures such as grants, loans and subsidies for businesses including primary producers,” she said.

Under that scheme she said assistance was provided to the states to alleviate the financial burden of responding to the disasters.

“Given the severity of the November-December 2010 flooding event, the Australian Government agreed to the NSW Government's request to cost-share Clean-up and Recovery Grants of up to $15,000,” she said.

“These grants are currently available to eligible small businesses and primary producers who suffered direct damage from the floods.”