Mayor Margot Davis recently welcomed Ray Willis, NSW Drought Coordinator, to the Glen Innes Severn Local Government Area as part of his engagement with communities experiencing ongoing drought conditions.
The visit provided an opportunity for Council to outline current local conditions and discuss the challenges facing landholders, local businesses and the broader community, with the Glen Innes Severn LGA currently classified as Drought Affected under the NSW Combined Drought Indicator (CDI).
Mr Willis met with Cr Davis to hear firsthand about the impacts of prolonged dry conditions, including the economic, social and mental health pressures being felt across the region.
Cr Davis said engagement with government decision‑makers was critical to ensuring drought support measures remain effective and responsive to local needs.
“We appreciate Mr Willis taking the time to visit our region and hear directly from Council about the impacts of drought on our communities,” Cr Davis said.
“These conversations are essential to making sure drought assistance is practical, timely and aligned with the realities faced by regional communities.”
During discussions, the Mayor called for the reinstatement of the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program, noting the importance of flexible funding that allowed councils to respond directly to local priorities.
“The Drought Communities Program enabled councils to deliver locally driven initiatives that supported both residents and businesses,” Cr Davis said.
“Programs such as local gift cards were very well received by the community and helped encourage local spending at a time when agricultural downturn reduced economic activity across the region.”
Cr Davis also highlighted the need for broader drought assistance beyond loan‑based support.
“While loans are beneficial for some, they are not suitable for everyone,” Cr Davis said.
“There is a clear need for rebates, subsidies and direct assistance to ensure support reaches those who are most vulnerable.”
Key issues raised during the visit included:
- Increased social and mental health funding for drought‑affected communities
- Fuel rebates, followed by targeted freight rebates, to help offset rising operational and transport costs
- Water subsidies or financial assistance for landholders without access to potable water
- Improved coordination with local and regional Landcare organisations, including GLENRAC, to support effective distribution of donations and on‑ground assistance
Cr Davis noted the importance of data‑driven responses to drought, with the NSW Government’s three‑month seasonal outlook and drought mapping expected to be updated shortly.
“Accurate and up‑to‑date information is critical for planning and decision‑making,” Cr Davis said.
“Drought responses must be informed by both current data and local knowledge.”
Cr Davis also highlighted the importance of regularly reviewing Council’s drought planning frameworks, including the Glen Innes Severn–Tenterfield Joint Regional Drought Resilience Plan, to ensure it continues to support strong local decision‑making and coordination during prolonged dry conditions.
The Plan identifies local drought risks, priorities and actions to improve long‑term resilience across the region and supports better coordination between councils, government agencies and community stakeholders.
Cr Davis encouraged residents and landholders impacted by drought to explore available assistance and seek support where required.
“Drought affects entire communities, not just individual industries,” Cr Davis said.
“Council will continue to advocate across all levels of government to ensure our community receives the support it needs through ongoing dry conditions.”
Click here to view and access NSW Government drought support.
A range of drought support programs, resources and tools are also available through the NSW Government, including information via the NSW DroughtHub and the State Seasonal Update.
Council will continue to advocate for coordinated and practical support to assist local communities during ongoing drought conditions.
