The message is clear: to give you and your property the best chance, you need to be prepared and plan ahead. While 70 percent of people in bushfire prone areas say they have a plan for what they would do during a fire, only 50 percent of people have prepared their property for a bushfire If the worst were to happen, would your plan really stack up?

Now is the time to have a discussion with your family so you're not caught out and put at risk. By visiting www.myfireplan.com.au, you can check your existing plan, create and print a new one, and gain access to RFS and NSW government resources surrounding fire safety.

Stay up to date on the fire risk in your region by using the RFS website, downloading the 'Fires Near Me' app, listening to local radio and monitoring social media.

Right to Farm Bill

Bathurst is experiencing extremely trying times with the devastating drought and ferocious bushfires. The absolute last thing our farmers need is the threat of trespassers and expensive legal disputes.

The Nationals went to the 2019 State Election promising a Right to Farm Bill, and I'm pleased to say the NSW Nationals in Government have delivered on that commitment.

We are the first jurisdiction in Australia to enshrine in law a farmer's right to farm their land and have rigorous protection from the threat of illegal farm incursions. If a farmer is undertaking lawful agricultural activities, they will have the full protection of the law in NSW against farm invasions, intimidation and interference in their farming operations.

Under the Bill, penalties for aggravated farm trespass will increase from fines of up to $5,500, to three years jail time and up to $22,000 in fines. The new penalties will be in force by 2020.

Office of Drought created for better supper

I welcome the announcement of a new, dedicated Office of Drought Response which has been formed to better coordinate support delivered by all NSW Government agencies for farmers, communities, businesses and towns affected by drought.

The formation of the new Office will work to ensure water security across regional NSW, as well as address the impact of drought on businesses and communities and provide ongoing support to farmers. The crippling effects of drought have reached well beyond the farm gate, and are impacting towns and communities right across regional NSW and the Office will ensure these communities are aware of what support measures are available.

To date, the NSW Nationals in Government have already provided $1.8 billion in emergency assistance to farmers and communities along with $1 billion for water security projects, with the Office of Drought Response to coordinate the delivery of this assistance.

The Office of Drought Response will operate within the Department of Planning Industry and Environment, led by Coordinator-General Gary Barnes with the support of the Deputy Secretary, DPIE Water Jim Bentley. Dubbo-based Ken Harrison has been appointed as Director of Drought Response Operations. Anyone requiring drought assistance is encouraged to visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au.