Deputy Prime Minister MIchael McCormack said farmers could find out what drought assistance was available to them through the FarmHub website. “Farmers can go to the www.farmhub.org.au website and search for localised assistance and support during tough times,” Mr McCormack said.

“The online resource shows what measures are available, such as what water, transport, fodder and living expense assistance is at hand, as well as mental and physical health support.

The information has been collated and verified by the National Farmers’ Federation.

The Federal Government has also launched a National Drought Map which is designed to help co-ordinate the drought response, meaning governments, businesses and communities can make better informed decisions.

The website, https://map.drought.gov.au, includes information such as rainfall, soil moisture, available government assistance as well as providing data on the number of farm businesses in any given region.

“We are backing our primary producers to get through this drought,” Mr McCormack said.

“We have invested a further $7 billion in new assistance for drought-affected farmers, including the Future Drought Fund which will build resilience moving forward.” 

Meanwhile, patchy storms offered some reprieve to the dry conditions throughout the Riverina and southern NSW this week. 

According to the Bureau of Meterology Young received 83mm for the week, Tumbarumba, 24mm, Wagga, 12mm, Grenfell, 10mm, and Urana, 5mm. 

In addition to tackling drought issues a new Agricultural Commissioner will help to represent farmers. 

NSW Farmers’ President, James Jackson, said that the independent Agriculture Commissioner is a step in the right direction but more needs to be done to tackle Right to Farm issues. “The introduction of an Agriculture Commissioner is a good first step,” he said.