Oyster farmers are in damage control across the Hastings after flooding has decimated stocks.
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Armstrong Oysters owner Brandon Armstrong met with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and deputy premier John Barilaro during a ministerial visit to the Hastings on March 26.
"We welcomed the visit after what we have gone through over the last week. We just wanted to make them aware of our concerns and ask for assistance in the form of grants," Mr Armstrong said.
"If we can get a grant for farmers or small businesses to take up, that would be great. The flooding was devastating for us oyster farmers and just caught us out.
"We have had a terrible run with no sales even before the rain and now flooding, that could make a lot of businesses really struggle.
"It's difficult. I have 15 employees and I want to keep them on. I've asked (the Premier) if we come up with some kind of subsidy or trainee program."
The flood impact will mean local oysters will be limited or unavailable over the traditionally busy Easter weekend in April, said Camden Haven's Rockin' Oysters owner James Wood.
"Farmers are just focused on cleaning up at the moment. I think it might be several weeks yet before we know if it will be the end for some farmers," Mr Wood said.
"There won't be any local oysters for Easter but people will potentially buy some from the south and bring them up. There won't be a harvest out of either (Hastings or Camden Haven) rivers for at least 21 days.
"The support that is being shown from other farmers is a testament to the community, it's fantastic. If we can help each other out, potentially the quicker we can get back on our feet."
Oyster farmers were already struggling after recent sewage spills in the Camden Haven River and Nambucca River forced 21 day mandatory closures in February.
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Ewan Bale from Port Pearler Oysters said extreme changes such as lowered river salinity or sewage spills have a massive impact on oyster health and the livelihood of growers.
"Even before this event Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and Forster have had trouble with water quality. We have had sewage spills, flooding and sewage spills again," he said.
"It's going to be sometime before we can sample again. Our industry is very dependent on good water quality because the oysters are so sensitive."
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