Crippling drought pushing farmers to breaking point

The crippling drought affecting 99 per cent of New South Wales is taking a devastating toll on local farmers, pushing them to breaking point.

The O’Brien family, who live in Tottenham, west of Dubbo, are one of many families in trouble with the drought exhausting all their resources and pushing father, Justin, to the point where he’s considered taking his own life.

His devastated wife, Katie, said the family didn’t have anything left; “no rain, no feed, no money”, and it eventually took its toll on Mr O’Brien.

The family has only $0.64 in their bank account, The Daily Telegraph reported.

“To see a grown man – a strong man, proud, resilient, hard-working man – reduced to the fact that he may not come home is the worst,” his wife told Seven News through tears.

Mr O’Brien simply said he “wasn’t good”.

Luckily, a call to charity Aussie Helpers saved the cattle farmer.

Aussie Helpers brought support and supplies, but they claim demand for counselling has tripled since the drought began.

“It’s extremely important for farmers to reach out right now and get the help that they need,” Aussie Helpers’ drought coordinator Krystal Haycock said.

Mr O’Brien called on the government to get behind its farmers. He wants red tape cut to make it easier for farmers to get financial aid.

“We need them (farmers) to hang on,” he said.

“We need to make sure they stay alive.”

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Seven News meteorologist David Brown said the drought “is huge and intensifying”, and it could be far from over.

“With El Nino knocking on the door, it’s unlikely to break until autumn next year,” he said.

It follows reports a NSW farmer faced shooting 1200 of his sheep and burying them in a hole on his property. He’s since received feed to keep them alive.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

For anyone wishing to help drought affected farmers, you can donate via the following charities: Aussie Helpers on 1300 665 232, Rural Aid Australia on 1300 327 624, Lions Need for Feed and Drought Angels.