Thursday, 13 August 2026
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has called on the NSW Government to commence work on preparing assistance packages for primary producers in parts of the Northern Tablelands, citing recent figures predicting intensifying drought in the region as Spring arrives.
The latest NSW drought forecast shows conditions across the New England and North West of NSW are expected to deteriorate significantly, with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) modelling indicating a strong likelihood of drought intensification through to October.
The MP said that during his own travels across the region, he is hearing from producers that conditions are tightening and anticipated to stall growth during the important Spring period.
“Producers across the Northern Tablelands, Gwydir, Inverell and Moree Plains, districts are already reporting tightening conditions, and the forecast confirms what many have been experiencing on the ground: rainfall deficits are deepening, soil moisture is declining, and pasture growth is stalling at a critical point in the season,” Mr Moylan said.
“The NSW Combined Drought Indicator shows that more than half of NSW is likely to be in a drought category by late October, with almost all of the Northern Tablelands already shown as Drought Affected (intensifying) and in Drought.
“Most concerningly, the Northern Tablelands flagged as one of the regions most likely to shift into Intense Drought by October, with the forecast showing limited chance of meaningful recovery, with below median rainfall the more likely outcome through spring.”
The MP said that it was imperative that proper planning by producers was vital and that part of the response should include appropriate government assistance.
He has written to the NSW Government making a strong case for early intervention through provision of support including freight rebates and financial relief.
“Conditions are deteriorating quickly, and communities and farmers will need support to get through the months ahead,” the MP said.
“Early action is essential, waiting until the situation worsens will only increase the cost and impact on regional families and businesses.”
“The emerging outlook underscores the need for proper targeted drought assistance for livestock, cropping and mixed farming operations, investment in long term water infrastructure, and coordinated local drought planning with councils and community organisations.
“I have reached out to the NSW Government making a strong case for our primary producers and calling for immediate action to implement drought supports.”
For more information on the NSW drought forecast, visit the NSW DPIRD seasonal update page https://www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/climate_applications/state-seasonal-update
To access information on preparing for and managing drought visit the NSW Drought Hub website at https://www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/