Despite recent rainfall across NSW coastal and inland regions, 99% of the state remains drought-affected.
NSW is experiencing the worst drought on record and many parts of the state did not receive any of the recent rain. Areas such as the Far West, Central West and Southern NSW remain in drought.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall said a further 50 millimetres of rain is forecast for the North Coast in the coming week. However regions across NSW will need months of sustained and widespread rain to break the drought.
“I’m sure many people have seen photos of green grass sprouting in some drought affected areas, but the reality is this recent growth is not that widespread and will provide only limited nutritional value for livestock,” Mr Marshall said.
“In farming areas, stored soil moisture levels remain very low, which shows the recent rainfall hasn’t provided the nourishing effect needed to improve conditions, while algal blooms and further fish kills remain a very real possibility across multiple regions.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro reassured farmers, families and business owners in Yass, Boorowa, Cowra and Orange they have not been forgotten.
Mr Barilaro said as of February 2020, more than $1.9 billion has been committed to the Emergency Drought Relief package to help farmers and regional communities.
A further $1 billion is committed to the Safe and Secure Water program, delivering water infrastructure to boost drought resilience.
To learn more about drought support across NSW, visit DroughtHub.