As the drought drags beyond its second year in the North West, farmers ask “how could we have prepared for this?” Ed Fessey, “Bullabalalie”, Weilmoringle, told the State Premier “There’s only so much preparation you can do for drought,” when the Mr Baird toured his property yesterday to see the impact of drought first-hand.
Mr Fessey’s district has received less than half its average rainfall for the past two years.
“This has been the longest, driest period in 126 years of recording,” Mr Fessey said.
Before drought hit, Mr Fessey ran 12,000 sheep and 1200 cattle. He is now down to 3000 sheep.
However, since July, the government’s drought support policy shifted to focus on preparedness, long-term concessional loans and family support.
Previously, farmers could receive $20,000 for in-drought support, including freight subsidies for fodder and livestock.
NSW Farmers president Fiona Simson said the plight of farmers in the North West, who descended into drought just two years after emerging from the millennium drought, highlighted the need to change to current policy.
“Cash is king, not just for landholders, but for rural towns that suffer under drought as well,” she said.
“If you are in a rip-roaring drought, no matter how well prepared you are, you need in-drought support measures.
“I hope the government can reconsider its position and introduce a $30,000 levy like Queensland, to get some cash moving into drought-stricken regional communities.”
Mr Baird said the drought tour gave him an appreciation for the situation, the country and the tough times faced by farmers and the small communities.
“Farmers are aware of the opportunities and programs to support them, but it was clear some farmers weren’t aware of the farm innovation fund and what it offers,” he said.
“I think what our job is now, is to educate and share best practice for farmers to help them with their drought preparedness.”
NSW Farmers Western Division chairman Wayne Newton also attended the tour and said farmers were beyond breaking point.
“Anybody can manage drought for 12 or 18 months, but our drought preparation can’t stretch far enough to cope with two and a half years.”
Opposition primary industries spokesman Steve Whan said Mr Baird’s drought tour was “hypocritical window dressing”.
“Mike Baird has some front going to the North West and telling (farmers) the government is doing all it can, when he has cut funding for drought relief.”
Last week’s budget estimates hearing at State parliament provided a stark reminder of policy shift to the State’s in-drought support program.
NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson confirmed freight subsidies for fodder and stock were available only if there were concerns for animal welfare.
Mr Whan said Ms Hodgkinson had “effectively slashed future drought assistance for farmers in NSW”.
He asked the minister in the hearing if “people will no longer be able to get fodder and stock transport subsidies for purposes other than direct animal welfare?”.
Ms Hodgkinson replied, “Correct”.
To view the NSW government’s drought program, visit NSW Government Emergency Drought Support
