Fears drought-stricken farmers are being ripped off by suppliers
There are growing fears drought-stricken farmers, forced to buy expensive fodder and grain to feed their stock, are being ripped off.
Struggling farmers told 7 News that it’s now just about impossible to get feed for their livestock as the prices continue to soar.
In some cases, people have been buying hay bales for $100 each and reselling them for $400, adding extra pressure to those who are already struggling to grow their crops.
Other reports claim suppliers are pinning farmers against each other, promising those who pay a little extra will guarantee their delivery arrives.
There are now growing calls for the ACCC to step in and investigate the alleged price gouging.
Meanwhile Labor has called on the federal government to deliver its cash support payments to the drought-stricken farmers faster.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced on Sunday up to $12,000 for eligible households spread across two payments on September 1 and March 1.
“We support this package but it needs to be rolled out faster – farmers need immediate financial support,” Mr Shorten said.
No end in sight for NSW’s big dry
One day after it was confirmed that 100 per cent of NSW is officially in drought, upcoming forecasts suggests there’s no relief in sight.
The latest Department of Primary Industries data shows almost 22 per cent of NSW is suffering intense drought, 40 per cent is in drought and nearly 38 per cent is drought-affected.
The combined drought indicator – which takes in rainfall, soil water, plant growth and long-term climate data – suggests no part of NSW is recovering despite some recent rains.
Less than 10 millimetres was recorded in the western, northwest and central areas of NSW over the past month and drier-than-normal conditions are forecast for the next three months across the majority of the state.
NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair accepts drier than normal conditions are expected for the rest of 2018.
“This is tough,” Mr Blair said in a statement on Wednesday.
“There isn’t a person in the state that isn’t hoping to see some rain for our farmers and regional communities.”
