Ms Cooke said that the extra support would assist local farmers and businesses, including on farm measures such as transport subsidies and off-farm measures to boost the local economy and support the community.

The extended drought measures for 2019/2020 include $185 million for on-farm Emergency Drought Relief Package support measure including transport cost rebates for fodder, stock and water. $36 million in funds to support rural and regional communities including mental health, sporting grants, money for pre-schools and skilled pathway opportunities. $55 million in Emergency Drought Relief Package for water infrastructure projects, emergency water carting, improving town drinking water, reducing water wastage and rebates for water licences.

For more detail on available drought support measures visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au.