Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has called on the Minns Labor Government to start supporting regional communities with more than 70 per cent of his electorate now classed as drought affected.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Combined Drought Indicator map indicates the drought status of the entire state.
Currently more than 50 per cent is drought affected but Mr Moylan said the government has failed to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem.
“I have been banging on doors and doing everything I can to get the government to support our farmers,” he said.
“I have made more than 30 representations to the Minister for Agriculture but this city-centric government has not responded.
“The southern part of the state has been in drought for two years and they have failed to provide any relief in the form of grants and subsidies. All that has been provided are loans and no one wants to take on more debt.”
Dry conditions are expected to worsen with the DPI’s drought forecast indicating a continuation and expansion of the current circumstances.
“There’s no sign of improvement in the near future with the current forecast looking very grim until at least November,” Mr Moylan said.
“Then you add in the ongoing fuel crisis and fertiliser shortages and the outlook farmers is tough
“I have extended an invitation to the Minister for Agriculture to visit the Northern Tablelands to see first-hand how serious the conditions are.
“It is time for the government to act without delay before the situation escalates into another devastating drought with lasting impacts on farmers, families and regional economies.
“They cannot continue to neglect the needs of regional and rural NSW.”
Media Release: Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan
