NSW Farmers’ President James Jackson has described the additional $500 million in support as ‘generous’ but has stressed the importance of the package being easily accessible to all farmers across the state battling drought.

“The expansion of the drought transport subsidies to cover a range of transport activities recognises that good animal welfare practice covers a variety of activities and requires long-term planning. The decision to provide back payments to 1 January recognises that planning for drought happens before the country is dry.

“It's not only the big costs that affect farm business cash flow. It is the small, ongoing commitments that add up. The commitment to provide relief through deferring LLS rate payments, water licenses and Agricultural Vehicle Registration will benefit local communities and contractors, not only farmers.

“NSW Farmers has been a strong advocate for the farm Innovation Fund. It has helped farmers to prepare for drought, through the cessation of interest payments on existing loans, as well as future loans, the government has recognised that there is only so much you can do to prepare.

“As farmers continue to make tough decisions, we call on the NSW Government to make it equitable and as easy as possible for them to access relief,” Mr Jackson concluded.