The changes are an important step to ensuring the NSW government receives direct advice on existing and likely drought conditions as it makes decisions on assistance measures under the NSW drought framework.

We only have to look at the plight of our farmers in the north west of the state, who are entering their fourth year of drought, to know it is the number one production risk for farmers in NSW.

The changes will see the number of farmers represented on the committee increase, with two appointed farmer representatives joining the chairman of NSW Farmers’ Rural Affairs committee, Sonia O’Keefe on RAAC.

The announcement recognises the assessment of seasonal conditions, such as drought, and the options available to support resilient farming business and communities through adverse seasonal conditions should be informed by those directly impacted.

These appointments will complement the direct advocacy NSW Farmers continues to make on behalf of our farming membership directly to the Minister and the NSW government on drought policy.

NSW Farmers has signalled a need for the new arrangements to both improve the advice provided to the government and provide a whole of government focus to the implementation of drought assistance initiatives through its engagement with the drought interagency working group.

Maximising agriculture’s contribution to the state’s economy and providing the stability to our important regional communities that will enable them to flourish across the variable seasons we face requires a whole of government approach.

It is an imperative that the new arrangements enable RAAC to be a conduit within government to implement measures that enhance drought preparedness.

Derek Schoen 

President 

NSW Farmers’

LEETON shire seniors have been encouraged o have their say on the issues that affect their lives as part of consultation on the NSW government’s second ageing strategy.

The NSW government is committed to better understanding the needs of seniors and developing the right policies to assist them.

We know living longer brings with it so many wonderful opportunities, but it also brings unique challenges.

The NSW government wants to better understand the issues affecting the lives of older people and feedback will help the NSW government shape the second NSW ageing strategy, and create the best policies and services for older people possible.

The strategy is a whole-of-government approach to responding to an ageing population based on community input.

The first NSWageing strategy was released in 2012 and lead to the creation of successful initiatives like Tech Savvy Seniors, the Elder Abuse Helpline and the expansion of the NSW Seniors Card.

An independent evaluation of the strategy found it had a “positive impact in promoting awareness of ageing in NSW and in improving the life circumstances of a proportion of older people”.

The second NSW strategy will be released later in 2016.

To have a say visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au. 

Consultation concludes on May 15.

Adrian Piccoli 

Member for Murray