Drought Point

Current Status

The July 2008 drought figures indicate a continued worsening in conditions, with only 14.1% of the state considered ‘satisfactory’ from a climate perspective.  With so much of the state still in drought, the scheduled expiry of Exceptional Circumstances (EC) declarations over the coming months remains a priority issue for the Association.

State Assessment - Click here for the latest drought map and RLPB Drought Eligibility Status

Federal Assessment - Exceptional Circumstance - Click here for the latest drought map  

 Recent Association Activities

The Association is continuing its extremely active role on drought issues, lobbying at both the State and Federal level.  With a slight worsening of climatic conditions across the state half way through Autumn, particularly in the lead-up to sowing, NSW Farmers Association is concerned that the scheduled expiry of EC declarations; proposed national drought policy review; proposed reduced budget for the National Agricultural Monitoring System (NAMS); and continuing short-term funding commitments for essential State Government drought initiatives; is exacerbating what is already an uncertain and stressful time for farm families and rural businesses.

Click here for a copy of the Association’s latest drought briefing note. 

Previous Association drought briefing notes, including information on the September 2007 drought program changes, are also available:

 June 2008
 May 2008
 April 2008
 December 2007
 September 2007
 May 2007

The Association also conducts a fortnightly drought teleconference involving the Association’s Rural Affairs Committee and Drought Taskforce, as well as senior representatives from the Department of Primary Industries and Rural Assistance Authority.  These teleconferences provide a regular opportunity for two-way information flow; ensuring farmers’ local and regional concerns are communicated and addressed in a timely fashion.

NSW Farmers’ Association President Jock Laurie unveiled a Drought Discussion Paper in October 2006 to highlight the issues that need to be addressed by both levels of Government in order to support agriculture through the worst drought on record.  The Drought Discussion Paper was finalised by the Association’s Presidential Drought Taskforce and outlines issues associated with social, financial and environmental aspects affecting farmers.  Whilst a number of the points highlighted in the paper were addressed through the September 2007 drought announcement by the then Prime Minister, the discussion paper still forms the basis of much of the Association’s current drought lobbying efforts.  Click here for the Discussion Paper on Drought ...

 
 What Help is Available

The Association has compiled a list of drought assistance measures and programs available to farming businesses and families in NSW.  Click here for a copy of the assistance list.  The Association encourages all farm families and rural businesses to review the document and contact the relevant organisations to discuss your individual circumstances.  Given the complexities of the assistance programs and their eligibility criteria, it is vitally important that you do not self-assess.

 
 Key Contacts

 NSW Drought Hotline – 1800 814 647
 NSW Rural Assistance Authority – 1800 678 593
 Federal Government Drought Assistance Hotline – 13 23 16
 Murray-Darling Basin Assistance and Referral Line – 1800 050 015
 NSW Rural Mental Health Support Line – 1800 201 123