THE "extraordinarily difficult circumstances" being faced by Dubbo's north-west NSW neighbours has led the state government to further detour from its plan to help farmers before drought arrives rather than during it.
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Yesterday the government announced a $7.6 million emergency in-drought support package for the Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett shires, more than seven months out from the mid-2014 implementation of a new and national version.
A feature of the state government package is up to $20,000 per primary producer as reimbursement for transport from July 1 this year of stock to sale, slaughter or agistment; fodder for stock; drinking water for stock, and domestic water.
NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner and Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson revealed the package that follows drought preparedness and in-drought support measures announced on October 30.
"Landholders and communities in north-west NSW are currently dealing with extraordinarily difficult circumstances," Mr Stoner said.
"While the NSW government is moving towards preparing farmers for drought rather than providing in-drought crisis support, there is currently a critical need to provide immediate assistance," he said.
The state government was previously accused of not doing enough for the embattled and bone-dry communities.
Among its critics was Bogan Shire mayor Ray Donald who last week said it was a "terrible pity" that assistance was not forthcoming "many months ago to help people cope with this severe drought".
"The state government needs to immediately get some assistance out to people by way of reintroducing subsidies for the movement of water, fodder and stock to agistment, not just to slaughter," he said.
Cr Donald called on Ms Hodgkinson to tour the drought-affected region to see first-hand the devastation.
Yesterday she said many of the producers in north-west NSW had prepared for drought "to the best extent possible".
"However, this scenario clearly illustrates that no matter how well producers may prepare for drought, it is impossible to completely drought-proof a property," Ms Hodgkinson said.
"Primary production is critical to these communities and the NSW government recognises that helping farmers will assist to preserve the social and economic fabric of the community at large.
"I have been acutely aware of the situation facing primary producers and rural communities in north-west NSW and have worked as quickly as possible to develop a package of preparedness and in-drought support measures."
However Dubbo is still expected to feel the impact.
Agriculture is a $400 million industry in the wider Orana region, making up 9 per cent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and employing 5800 people. However the economic fallout is expected to be far reaching.
"For the wider Orana region, agriculture is really important. It's a key sector and really important for exports, value added and employment," Dubbo City Council economic development officer Josie Howard said.
Regional Assistance Advisory Committee chairman David Palmer reports that the committee will continue to monitor seasonal conditions across NSW, providing feedback and advice to the NSW government as required.
The package that "brings NSW into line with assistance provided in drought-stricken areas of Queensland", also offers up to $30,000 per producer for water infrastructure for livestock, a grant that will be matched by the federal government.
The state government is providing extra funding for the Rural Support Worker program and a drought incident co-ordinator.
Western Lands lease payments for 12 months from July 1 next year have been waived along with Wild Dog Destruction Board rates for a year.
Transport Subsidies for Animal Welfare are focused on stock going to sale or slaughter when at "significant risk".
Drought support announced last month encompasses the $20 million Farm Innovation Fund, the $4.4 million phase three of the Cap and Pipe the Bores program, and deferral on a case-by-case basis of Special Conservation Scheme and Natural Disaster loans.
Livestock Health and Pest Authority rates will be deferred for eligible producers at Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett.
The NSW government is working with the Commonwealth, state and territory governments on the new national drought package designed to "better support farmers and their families prepare for and manage business risks including drought".
