Farmers Call for Immediate Drought Support at Southern NSW Drought Summit

Regional farming leaders have issued an urgent call for immediate financial and practical support at the Southern NSW Drought Summit, held on Monday, August 4.

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.

  
  

• And 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.