COMMENT MATT NICHOLLS
THERE was no one complaining when the rain came tumbling down over the weekend, but any suggestion that the drought is over is short-sighted.
In fact, even if it rained for another 20 days, it wouldn’t make a lot of difference to many of the region’s farmers, who destocked their properties in January because of a lack of feed.
It could take many graziers several years to recover from this unusally dry summer and they will need long-term support.
The drought assistance package announced by Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson was welcome news, but it’s only a short-term fix.
Droughts might come and go, but the effects are long-lasting.
Credit must be given to both local members of parliament, Adam Marshall and Barnaby Joyce, for taking up the fight of their primary producers.
Mr Marshall got the ball rolling for the Northern Tablelands by pushing the Minister to have the region assessed, while Mr Joyce’s stand prompted the Prime Minister to take a first-hand look at drought-affected areas.
It’s a shame that it rained in Bourke as Mr Abbott landed, as it’s hard enough to convince city dwellers about the impact of drought at the worst of times.
Let’s hope Mr Joyce made it known that people in the bush are struggling.
The Government can’t make it rain, but they must nuture those on the land that are putting food on the table in Australia, as well as exporting to the world.
– MATT NICHOLLS
