Lion Dairy and Drinks Co and SunRice both recently announced significant job losses from their Leeton operations, with the former also reducing the number of its grower contracts.

Leeton Shire Council and the Leeton Business Chamber said any loss of jobs was damaging, particularly to the local economy, but believed the town was resilient.

"The loss of any local job is of concern, not only for the individual involved, but also their extended family," chamber president Wayne Bond said.

"Not sure of the exact figures/impact on the community, but for each person moving away impacts the local retail scene - from the supermarkets to the gift stores.

"Also the coffee shops, sports teams, schools and service clubs, but I have come to see how resilient the Leeton community is.

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"Our desire would be for as many people to stay in the area that can. But at the end of the day that comes down to the individual and family needs."

Council's economic development co-ordinator Monica Armanini said any type of job loss from the shire was "regrettable", but she believed the town was faring better than others in western NSW when it came to the impacts of the drought.

"We've found most larger employers will actively support their redundant staff to find other work either in another area of their business or in other manufacturing businesses in the region," she said. "To our knowledge this is what has happened in the main (instance).

"Skilled workers are highly sought after in the Western Riverina and can often find alternative employment quickly.

"Importantly, the likes of SunRice ... have assured us of their long-term commitment to manufacturing in Leeton.

"The drought has had an impact for some businesses in regional areas such as the Leeton shire.

"Consequences of drought are directly impacting on growers, farming families, local businesses, regional communities and our local economy. We remain positive and hope the rainfall deficit is alleviated soon to help turn things around.

"As part of our work towards building long-term growth, council aims to support local businesses with accessing the skills they require to fulfill their work, remain sustainable and enjoy future growth."

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