Glen Innes Severn Mayor Margot Davis has renewed calls for stronger drought support measures during a visit from NSW Drought Coordinator Ray Willis to the region.
Mr Willis recently visited the Glen Innes Severn Local Government Area to meet with council and hear firsthand about the ongoing impacts of drought on local communities, businesses and farmers.
The Glen Innes Severn region is currently classified as Drought Affected under the NSW Combined Drought Indicator.
Mayor Davis said direct conversations with government representatives were essential to ensuring support programs reflected the realities facing regional communities.
“We appreciate Mr Willis taking the time to visit our region and hear directly from Council about the impacts of drought on our communities,” Cr Davis said.
“These conversations are essential to ensuring drought assistance is practical, timely and aligned with the realities faced by regional communities.”
During the visit, Cr Davis urged the Federal Government to reinstate the Drought Communities Program, saying it had previously delivered meaningful support to both residents and local businesses.
“The Drought Communities Program enabled councils to deliver locally driven initiatives that supported both residents and businesses,” she said.
“Programs such as local gift cards were well received by the community and encouraged local spending at a time when reduced agricultural activity affected the regional economy.”
Cr Davis also argued that drought support needed to extend beyond loan-based assistance, warning that not all struggling landholders or businesses were in a position to take on more debt.
“While loans are beneficial for some, they are not suitable for everyone,” she said.
“There is a clear need for rebates, subsidies and direct assistance to ensure support reaches those most vulnerable.”
The visit comes as large parts of northern and north-west NSW continue to grapple with dry conditions, with many producers facing mounting pressure from declining pasture growth, rising input costs and broader economic uncertainty linked to fuel and fertiliser shortages.
Mr Willis’ role as NSW Drought Coordinator includes liaising directly with drought-affected communities and advising the state government on emerging issues and support priorities across regional NSW.
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