Creating visionary water storage and transmission schemes, simplifying applications for help, setting up centralised fodder points and underwriting crops were some of the ideas floated at a drought forum on Wednesday.
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More than 100 people went to hear, and share their thoughts with, representatives from three tiers of government at the Rotary-hosted event at Calala Inn.
Chaired by Tamworth regional councillor Russell Webb, the forum ranged from big-picture thinking to the drought's effect on the individual.
Special drought envoy and New England MP Barnaby Joyce had a clear message: "Lose the cynicism" and think big.
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Mr Joyce referred to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a state government bullet train proposal, and the national broadband network as "visionary projects", and said his was "to get new water into new areas of Australia".
He spoke of bringing water from north Queensland to western NSW via existing river systems and dams, at a cost of "slightly up from $15 billion … to start that off".
"To get behind major water projects for this nation, you have got to drive an agenda; you've got to be positive, because we can alleviate a lot of the big effects of water issues … Our greatest enemy of this process is cynicism."
Some comments were on the hassle of applying for Farm Household Allowance.
Mr Joyce said it was "a very difficult process", but "I am doing my darnedest in direct discussions with the Prime Minister to have that streamlined and more effective".
Stock and crops
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson spoke about the importance of keeping livestock, especially breeding stock, alive.
"What we're already talking about is central receival points in NSW to make it easier to access grain or roughage or fodder … so you can access the freight subsidy and it doesn't get burned up over thousands and thousands of kilometres."
He also spoke of possible wage subsidies for farmers, farm staff and contractors.
Cr Webb read a submission from former Narrabri mayor Conrad Bolton, for the federal government to "underwrite a percentage of the sowing costs for the coming winter, should we get a chance to sow".
"The advance would be secured by a lien on the crop and ... in case of crop failure, the debt would be extinguished and the government would have to wear it. We would then reset for the next sowing opportunity.”
The forum was hosted by Calala Rotary and funded by the combined clubs of Tamworth, Quirindi and Manilla.
Co-organiser Barry Pratten said: "On the whole, we were extremely pleased at the way it went."
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
