FARMERS fighting a never-ending struggle against drought in the Orana region are entitled to be cynical about the level of commitment from the federal and NSW governments to give more help.
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Neither plans to do very much at all.
Drought continues to ravage large areas of NSW and push farmers to the brink of ruin.
Three areas - Walgett, Bourke and Brewarrina shires - are so bad they asked to be declared natural disaster areas so they could get government funding.
Where is the aid for people who help feed the nation, contribute a big chunk of export earnings and generate jobs?
Federal Agricultural Minister Barnaby Joyce said Canberra would not be able to offer more assistance because of budget restraints.
Farmers criticised the federal government aid deal launched earlier this year as being "too little, too late". Now they can add "no more, no way".
Premier Mike Baird and Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson yesterday flew over the New England and North West drought area and visited a property on the Queensland border.
Mr Baird said flying over the areas had given him a clear and alarming picture of the tough conditions.
There was no offer of assistance. There was no fly over of the "natural disaster" shires. But, Ms Hodgkinson will relay her drought concerns to Canberra.
The view from budget-besieged Canberra or a government plane is clearly different from a farm in ruins.
