Bourke drives drought debate

Bourke Council General Manager Ross Earl Photo: TWH

Bourke Shire Council is driving the issue of drought definition and relief at the next annual conference of Local Government NSW.

A system that better assists farmers and communities ravaged by drought tops almost 100 issues for debate by at the Local Government annual conference in Albury this month.

Local Government NSW President Linda Scott said the first motion for debate - submitted by Bourke Shire Council - called for a clear mechanism for drought declaration, a common definition of drought, and transparent criteria for assistance to farmers and small businesses.

“These three critical issues have a very real impact on how we manage drought,” Clr Scott said.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.