As the drought grinds on across most of NSW, the State Government is expanding its assistance for farmers.

Now 93.6 per cent of NSW is drought declared and another 4.1 per cent is marginal.

In response to this worsening situation, access to the Drought Hotline (1800 814 647) has been extended by an extra two hours.

Farmers can now contact the Drought Hotline from 8.30am to 4.30pm and also 7pm to 9pm.

The additional open times are designed to fit in with farmers’ busy schedules and ensure they have every opportunity to get the assistance they need.

The drought hotline is an important service that provides farmers with up-to-date information on drought assistance and also directs callers to appropriate service providers.

I recently also announced that the NSW DPI would co-ordinate a donations register to further assist farmers.

DPI staff will register donation pledges and welfare organisations will have access to the register to arrange the distribution directly with the donor.

More information about all NSW DPI’s drought assistance initiatives is available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/drought

Murray, Murrumbidgee

The State Government made it a priority to put in extra resources to help irrigators in the Murray and Murrumbidgee regions, after the decision to cut back water allocations in an effort to secure town water supplies.

As a result, the DPI has pulled together 24 staff with local expertise in irrigation, agronomy, livestock and horticulture, to help farmers make informed decisions on future property management.

The teams are working closely with local industry groups and Catchment Management Authorities.

Specialist staff are located at the DPI’s Deniliquin, Dareton, Hay and Griffith offices and are available to answer questions and help find practical solutions.

Climate change forums

The State Government through NSW DPI is holding a series of climate change forums across the State.

The events will examine the impact of climate change on agriculture.

With the issue of climate change well and truly under the spotlight, it is important for the rural sector to keep abreast of the latest information and science.

The forums are part of the NSW Government’s $2.5 million investment in climate change aimed at helping farmers adapt to some of the challenges it presents.