Regional Farmers Call for Immediate Drought Support at Southern NSW Drought Summit
Media Release: Snowy Valleys Council
Image Credit: Meric Tuna
Regional farming leaders have issued an urgent call for immediate financial and practical support at the Southern NSW Drought Summit, held on Monday, 4 August. The summit brought together government representatives, including NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty, seven members of the NSW Parliament, local farmers, agronomists, and rural support services from drought-affected regions across Southern NSW.
Organised by the Council Mayors of Snowy Valleys, Greater Hume, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Wagga Wagga, and Yass, the summit highlighted the severe impact of worsening drought conditions. Currently, 49% of NSW is affected by drought, with even the most resilient producers reaching breaking point.
Farmers spoke about the growing toll of fodder and water shortages, record-high freight costs, and widespread pasture loss not only on their livestock and livelihoods but also on their mental health and family wellbeing. Speakers included Julian Roche, a third-generation beef producer for Yaven Creek, and Barney Hyams, an orchardist and grazier from Batlow, who both shared the compounding challenges of bushfires, prolonged drought, and soaring input costs.
A key outcome of the summit was the proposal to establish a NSW Government-led, producer-informed Drought Taskforce to oversee the implementation of recommendations. The roadmap for action includes:
Immediate financial relief through freight and fodder subsidies, emergency grants, and Local Land Services waivers.
Targeted recovery programs for restocking, pasture regeneration, business support, and mental health services.
Long-term reform of the National Drought Agreement to recognise drought as a natural disaster and incentivise resilience through tax incentives and on-farm preparedness measures.
