All of NSW in drought as govt unveils $1b farm relief package
The entire Australian state of New South Wales has been declared in drought after a drier than expected June and July.
According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries, 61 per cent of NSW is either in drought or intense drought, while nearly 39 per cent is drought affected.
June and July have been much drier than expected, resulting in failing crops, water shortages and a diminishing supply of fodder to sustain stock, Australian Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said.
Only 0-10mm of rain have been recorded over the past month in the western, northwest and central areas of NSW, he said, adding: ‘‘This is tough, there isn’t a person in the state that isn’t hoping to see some rain for our farmers and regional communities.
‘‘Producers are now faced with some very difficult decisions on whether to graze sown crops or rely on potential rainfall in the next two months in order to increase yield production.
‘‘Some areas of the state did receive some welcome rainfall this month that has provided a little relief for stock and domestic water; unfortunately though it will not even come close to the recovery needed for most farmers,’’ Blair said.
‘‘The forecast suggests an increase of drier than normal conditions for the next three months across the majority of NSW.’’
Blair assured farmers and the community that the government would ‘‘stand with them through this challenging time and continue to make sure we have the right support available’’.
The NSW government has announced more than A$1 billion in drought relief measures, which include transport subsidies, waivers on farming costs, further bolstering the Farm Innovation Fund, animal welfare measures and mental health support.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier this week toured drought-stricken communities to announce A$12,000 grants for each affected farming family.