They were here to listen to farmers and discuss potential solutions to the drought, which now covers close to 60 per cent of the state.

Our Western NSW farming community is wide and varied and we produce key commodities such as meat, food and fibre crops, milk, vegetables, fruit, legumes and nuts.  

So, it’s important to support our local farmers and have these types of discussions with the farming businesses.

As the Regional Manager for the Western NSW Business Chamber, we are also keen to highlight how drought affects our non-farm businesses and in turn affects us all in the community. 

Our small businesses are already struggling with increasing cost pressures, especially fuel, gas and electricity prices, and the added impact of the drought will continue to affect business growth and employment. 

Many businesses who directly supply the farming community feel the effects of the drought long before an area is drought-declared, or even under watch as farmers and others tighten their belts. 

As drought conditions deteriorate, local spend will continue to decrease in communities resulting in a reduction in business.

As the drought worsens, these businesses may need to make decisions regarding their ongoing viability, leading to business closures and job losses. 

Once a business closes down, particularly in smaller towns, those services generally do not return. 

So not only have we lost a service, but an employer and that affects us all.  

We need to come together as a community to support all our farming and non-farm businesses during this time and look for solutions that help our regional communities remain strong and viable during this time.

- Vicki Seccombe

Regional Manager

Western NSW, NSW Business Chamber