Drought Point

Rains through 2010 have provided hope that the drought is nearing an end. Since January 2010 when 81% of the state was declared in drought, rains have provided relief and in August 2010, 7.1% of the state remains in drought. However given the extended nature of the drought and the depleted soil moisture and water table levels much of the state (36.5%) remains in a marginal condition.

The Association continues to work with State Authorities to ensure support is provided to farmers in this ongoing drought. The Association is involved in fortnightly teleconferences with the Industry and Investment NSW to provide updates on the drought situation and discuss support availability. The Association is also represented on the Drought Welfare Coordinating Committee. The Association works to ensure the continuance of the State transport subsidies and the Drought Support Workers.

On 25 February the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig announced the end of Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance for all 14 areas of NSW up for review. The areas up for review were: Braidwood, Condobolin, Condobolin-Narrandera, Dubbo Revised, Forbes, Goulburn-Yass, Gundagai, Hay, Majority Western Division, Molong Revised, Nyngan Revised, Riverina, South West Slopes and Plains, Young. Assistance ceases on 31 March 2011. On 17 March 2011 the Minister announced the end of EC assistance for the Bega Valley. Prima facie assistance is available to all producers in the Delungra area until 28 April 2011, but this is not up for review.

The Australian Government, in partnership with the Western Australian Government, is conducting a pilot of drought reform measures in part of Western Australia. The pilot will test a package of new measures developed in response to the national review of drought policy. The aim is to better support farmers, their families and rural communities in preparing for future challenges, rather than waiting until they are in crisis to offer assistance. The pilot will be in place from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011. The Association is monitoring the progress of the pilot, and is putting forward a submission to its review in April.

• Review of the Pilot of Drought Form measures in Western Australia - September 2011. Click here...

• 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:

   August 2008
   July 2008
   June 2008
   May 2008
   April 2008

  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 then 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