TOUGH TIMES: NSW Farmers Tamworth chair Kevin Tongue said a free water initiative would help.
Photo: Gareth Gardner TAMWORTH Regional Council could investigate giving away water for farmers to fill their tanks, as Central West councils push a similar initiative.
Farmers in the region continue to battle with added expenses with next-to-no feed on the ground and Mr Tongue liked the sound of the idea.
“We’ve got no feed,” he said.
“At a time like this, we need pull together and support one another in any way we can.” Cr Wilson said the current conditions were “extraordinary” and recalled how discouraging dry times can be for the community.
“Growing up in Burren Junction, I know it can be so demoralising for the rural community not to be able to feed stock and provide for their family created by elements beyond reach,” she said.
“It certainly has merit and it’s worth further investigation,” Cr Tickle said.
He said it was a serious matter and noted the contribution primary producers have on the region’s economy.
“De-stocking of farms can have significant immediate and longer term economic impacts on individuals and the wider local economy,” he said.
“One local business alone provides 650 jobs.” Dubbo Regional Council deputy mayor Anne Jones called for free access to the standpipe for drinking water and stock water, at a recent meeting.