It has been a frustrating few months as we watch those big rain events continue to dodge large sections of our region, leaving dusty paddocks and many local farmers already feeling the pressure.

Record cattle and sheep yarding throughout the New England in the past fortnight show many graziers are reading the current seasonal signs and moving to destock ahead of what is increasingly looking like a hard winter ahead.

On top of that farmers are trying to manage rising fuel costs, increased feral animal populations, higher fertiliser prices and increased interest rates.

The NSW Government needs to step up and ensure practical support is in place across the state before conditions deteriorate further.  We don’t need more reviews or roundtables; we need the Government to be proactive and forward-thinking when it comes to supporting regional communities.

I have urged the Government to act swiftly to deliver immediate, real and targeted support for affected communities. The NSW Rural Assistance Authority has information about current drought loans on offer – visit the Drought Hub at Drought Hub NSW for up to date information.

Parliamentary sittings

The March sittings of NSW Parliament began this week and it was another busy session.

The NSW Government’s Combined Drought Indicator shows worsening drought conditions across the state, including the Northern Tablelands, and many primary producers, small businesses and families are feeling the strain.

I put forward a Notice Of Motion for the Government to deliver immediate, real and targeted support for affected communities, including practical financial assistance, expanded drought relief programs, and measures tailored to the specific needs of the Northern Tablelands.

I spoke in support of the Summary Offences Amendment (Police Memorial Offences) Bill which aims at giving police memorials the same protections as war memorials in NSW.

Community Recognition Statements were tabled recognising 100 years of service by the Uralla, Armidale and Bingara branches of the CWA, the good work of Moree-based Young Aggies, the volunteer work of Bingara’s David Young, the 2026 Glen Innes Show, Moree’s Ronny Clissold, the Gravesend Public School P and C’s annual Long Lunch, the Guyra Show and the Moree Vehicle Restorers Club.

This week I tabled Questions on Notice on the New England Renewable Energy Zone, Rural Assistance Loans, bail refused decisions, ambulance coverage, Tropical Soda Apple Strategic Plan, My Ed use in hospitals, Glen Innes Hospital redevelopment, freight subsidies, water users in the Gwydir valley and firearms buyback scheme and new legislation.

Fuel supply talkfest

It was disappointing that a State Government fuel supply ‘roundtable’ this week was labelled a ‘talkfest’ with no real solutions.

In fact, the invite list excluded all non-government MPs and only a few regional stakeholders including agricultural groups and independent fuel retailers.

These groups have repeatedly raised concerns about diesel and petrol supplies for regional communities.

The State Government has now agreed to “continue detailed discussions in the coming weeks on these specific regional supply and price pressures” which really means nothing. From what I’m told by people who attended the roundtable the talks were very light on concrete solutions to ease regional fuel shortages and price spikes.

I will keep doing what I can to get Minister Chris Bowen on the job as the cost of fuel and indeed fuel shortages are hitting our towns and farms hard.

Whilst we really need the Federal Government to step up, at state level I am doing what I can by raising the issue in Parliament, pushing for better delivery to regional NSW, and keeping the pressure on government and wholesalers.

Walcha Show

The Walcha Show is a great country event and it was held last Friday and Saturday saw a huge turnout of people come together at the showground. Well done to Angus, Dale and the show committee for putting on another fantastic event. This weekend will see Bingara Show underway so get along to another great country show.

Fishing crowds turn out for Mason

What a fantastic turn out for the Gravesend Fishing Club’s annual Mason Daley Memorial Cod Classic on the Gwydir River.

Huge crowds of keen anglers hit the water, and the celebrations afterwards, for the popular event last weekend.  The classic is held in memory of Mason Daley – a passionate young angler – and the event is a fantastic way to honour his memory.

Congratulations to the organisers for staging another successful event for our region.

Classic Car Show revs up Inverell

The National Transport Museum at Inverell turned into a car lovers paradise last Sunday with the 2026 Classic Motor Show attracting record numbers of entries.

I was thrilled to be a part of the action alongside the Inverell Deputy Mayor Jo Williams as we presented awards to the best of the best.  What a cracking event to boost visitation to the region with many enthusiasts travelling from distant points to show off their machines.

Well done to the museum volunteers, the Inverell Council and all the supporters for their efforts.

Japanese encephalitis vaccine

A free vaccine for Japanese encephalitis has been rolled out for those who live or work in high risk Local Government Areas. Armidale Regional, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, Gwydir Shire, Moree Plains, Uralla and Walcha council areas are included.

For more information on how to access, visit Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine.

Resilience workshop

Clinical psychologist Lyn Worsley is coming to Belshaw Theatre at UNE for a community resilience evening. Dr Worsley created a resilience model for building resilience in individuals.

The workshop is on Wednesday, April 8 from 7pm until 8.30pm and there is a $5 cover fee.

To register, visit Key Factors to Build Resilience.

Active Regional Communities Package

A new round of funding for communities in regional NSW has been unveiled, with $50 million allocated into three streams and applications for the Regional Events and Partnerships stream now open.

Grants of $750,000 to $2million are available.

The funding is for regional communities to attract or develop new events, increase accessibility of existing events, boost local economies or upgrade infrastructure. For more information and to apply, visit Regional Events and Partnerships Grants.

What’s On

March 21: Armidale Autumn Festival

March 21-22: Bingara Show

March 28-29: Seasons of New England at Uralla

April 10-11: Moree Show

April 11: Warialda Races

May 7-10: Warialda Show

May 9: Moree On A Plate www.moreeonaplate.com.au at Moree Racecourse

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands