Rural road and drought funding falls short, says Independent MP

Independent MP Helen Dalton has criticised new government funding for rural roads and drought programs, saying it's welcome but nowhere near enough to address the bush's pressing needs.

The NSW Government announced $155 million for a 'rural road blitz' and joined with the Federal Government to pledge $43.2 million for drought resilience programs this week.

However, Mrs Dalton said the funding barely scratches the surface of what's needed.

"Our rural roads are a disgrace. Locals pay rego and fuel tax but are forced to drive on dangerous, car-wrecking potholes. This funding won't even touch the backlog," Mrs Dalton said.

"Councils are broke and the bush deserves roads as safe as Sydney's."

The $155 million rural road blitz aims to repair damage from successive floods that have wreaked havoc across regional NSW in recent years.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin welcomed the additional funding, saying it was long overdue.

"There's a long backlog of repairs to be done, and our local councils need funding to fix our local roads and bridges too - but this is an essential step forward in making our ruined roads driveable once again," Mr Martin said.

"Our families and friends deserve to drive on roads that are safe and fit for use - and this funding will go a long way towards getting our roads back on track."

On drought resilience, Mrs Dalton said farmers deserved real action, not token workshops.

"You don't stop drought with coaching sessions. Real resilience is building water infrastructure – like Lake Coolah off-river storage and dams," she said.

The $43.2 million drought investment will fund the Farm Business Resilience Program, providing farmers with coaching, workshops and other resources to support drought management and planning throughout 2025 and beyond.

While NSW Farmers welcomed the drought funding, Mrs Dalton argued the government's approach was misguided.

"Instead, Labor is stripping productive water out of the bush with buybacks. That's a slap in the face for regional Australia and a direct hit on our nation's economic future," she said.

Mrs Dalton said agriculture must be at the centre of national policy, given its crucial role in Australia's economy.

"Agriculture underpins Australia's economy. Our farmers feed and clothe the nation, and drive billions in exports. Undermining agriculture through water buybacks threatens not just the bush, but our entire economic future," she said.

"If governments are serious about drought resilience, they'll stop ripping water away and start funding real projects that keep rural communities in business and secure Australia's long-term prosperity."

NSW Farmers' Mr Martin took a more diplomatic approach, saying the drought investment recognised the ongoing challenges facing farmers.

"Drought is a reality of farming, but it's still a huge challenge - and farmers have to manage risks very carefully, so they can keep on farming into the future," Mr Martin said.

"It's great to see the Minns and Albanese Governments have recognised this and are providing farmers with resources that can drive decision-making through tough conditions, so they can continue to produce food and fibre for the world."

The funding announcements come as drought conditions persist across southern and western NSW, adding pressure on already struggling rural communities dealing with damaged infrastructure and ongoing water restrictions.