Walcha farmer and NSW Farmers’ drought spokesperson Ms Sonia O’Keefe said the impact of drought had continued beyond June when many of the state assistance measures concluded.

“State Government assistance, like the transport rebate, has been a huge help to our drought affected farmers and has ensured local food and fibre production continues until conditions improve,” Ms O’Keefe said.

“We recognise there is still some support for farmers and rural communities at the moment through the Federal Government’s national drought program announced in July.

“However, water infrastructure grants have been extremely useful and support drought preparedness for the long term future of farm businesses.

“Transport rebates are also immensely useful to farmers in the short term providing in-drought and recovery assistance and in many cases are vital for livestock producers to keep core breeding stock for future production by having the ability to buy in feed.”

NSW Farmers recently met with the NSW Premier Mike Baird on the issue of drought policy following the association’s recent drought tour to the north west with the Premier, Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson and Minister for Natural Resources Kevin Humphries.

“The Premier has now seen the impact of drought in the North West and visited a property where drought preparedness work had been carried out,” Ms O’Keefe said.

“We urge the State Government to match the Queensland Government’s in-drought support measures. They are not only appropriate but are also widely supported by rural and regional communities in NSW,” she concluded.