Local businesses to raise money for NSW farmers

Currently 99 per cent of NSW is in drought, resulting in failing crops, drastic water shortages and a diminishing supply of fodder to sustain livestock.

While premier Gladys Berejiklian was in Bathurst on Monday morning (July 30) to announce that the state government will give NSW farmers an extra $500 million in emergency drought relief, locals across the state are still rallying to help.

The package includes $190 million for drought transport subsidies backdated to January.

The subsidies will cover up to 50 per cent of the full cost of transporting fodder, water for stock and livestock to pasture, slaughter or sale. They will be up to $20,000 per farm business.

FOUR Espresso cafe on Clarence St will host a barbecue and donate $2 from every cappuccino sold on August 2, along with Waniora Butchery, Kenny Little's Fruit and Veg and Wauchope Bakery who have all donated to the day.

As well as an extra a donation tin, neighbouring business Gold Dust Trader will donate 10 per cent of all winter stock sold on the day and The Hollow is doing a cash donation.

Cafe owner Emma Maslen said it was a teriffic cause that everyone in Australia should get behind.

"I feel as though we, as Australians, have to help the farmers," she said. 

"The fact the Australian Government isn't helping with any significant donations shows that us Aussies have to pull together to do it. 

"It's really sad that the government can donate funds to overseas aids to help them in their time of need, but they won't help our own Australian farmers (as much as expected) because there's a drought.

"It's amazing to see so much local support already via social media."

Mrs Maslen said Buy A Bale was suggested to her by a dairy farmer at Long Flat. 

"We want to support charities where 100 per cent goes to the farmers," she said.

"As a coastal town it's really hard because we aren't directly affected. We only hear about the problems. It's almost as if it's out of sight out of mind. 

"We will start to be affected with the rise of costs of meat for example, and that is when people will start whinging more. What are we doing to support those farmers?"

The barbecue starts at 11am will all proceeds going to Buy A Bale.