DIRECT LINE TO SYDNEY: Riverina's Ray Willis Appointed Drought Coordinator to Fast-Track Local Support

IN SHORT:

• Ray Willis, General Manager of Riverina Local Land Services, has been appointed as the NSW Drought Coordinator for southern NSW (including Hay, Balranald, and Ivanhoe).
• His role is to provide a direct, on-the-ground communication link between local communities and the State Government to ensure support measures meet genuine needs.
• The appointment is backed by a major government campaign (radio, print, social media, and direct mail) to highlight available support, including low-interest loans and mental health services.

The NSW Government has appointed a Drought Coordinator to strengthen support for communities in southern NSW, in a move to support landholders grappling with dry conditions.

Ray Willis, the General Manager of Riverina Local Land Services, has stepped into the role.

With his extensive experience and local knowledge, Mr. Willis is expected to bring an on-the-ground perspective directly to the government, helping to ensure that support measures genuinely meet the needs of the region.

Since his appointment in late November, he has been meeting with various stakeholders.

Communities can expect to see the Drought Coordinator travelling locally over the coming weeks and months, attending events, and convening roundtables.

Mr Willis said his primary goal is to gather firsthand information on local drought impacts and the challenges faced by farmers.

The appointment has been welcomed by the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, who stressed the government's commitment to supporting rural communities.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting rural and regional communities in times of drought and has a wide range of support available for farmers,” Minister Moriarty said.

“The appointment of a Drought Coordinator is one way we’re making sure that impacted communities have a direct line to government about the challenges they’re facing and how support can better meet their needs.

“Ray will provide regular updates on local conditions, highlight emerging issues and challenges, and share advice based off community experience and local expertise to help shape government decision-making.”

Drought Coordinator Ray Willis said it is important to have a dedicated local contact.

“Having a dedicated drought coordinator on the ground to serve impacted regions across NSW is another touchpoint for landholders to access the help they need to get through these challenging times,” he said.

“I look forward to meeting and listening to as many farmers, stakeholders and service providers as possible to hear their perspective of the challenges they face and better inform government of the types of assistance and information required to get them through these dry times.”

In tandem with the new appointment, the NSW Government is launching a major communication campaign to make sure local farmers, businesses, and residents are fully aware of the drought support available from both the State and Federal Governments.

The Drought Coordinator will assist landholders access the various support measures available through its programs.

• Financial Assistance: Low-interest loans are available through the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund.
• Farm Management Tools: Access to tools like MyStockPlanner is provided to assist farmers in managing variable pasture nutrition—a critical challenge in a 'green drought' scenario where feed quality is poor despite recent rain.
• On-Ground Advice: Support and advice are available through Local Land Services, including the Drought Adoption Officer Program.
• Mental Health: Crucial mental health services, such as the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, remain available to assist those struggling with the pressure of dry times.
• Research and Resilience: $41.5 million has been allocated in the 2025-26 Budget for research and development focused on improving climate resilience, alongside co-funded programs like the Farm Business Resilience Program.

The Drought Coordinator has been appointed for an initial six-month term.

Local landholders and community members interested in engaging with the Drought Coordinator can make contact via [email protected].