As dry conditions intensify across the Riverina and Murray regions of NSW, farmers have welcomed the appointment of Ray Willis to the role of southern drought coordinator. Photo: Edwina Mason.
The man now tasked with being the vital link for drought‑affected farmers in southern NSW is determined to ensure they receive the support they urgently need.
With significant dry conditions placing much of the region under strain, farmers have welcomed the news Ray Willis – respected general manager of Riverina Local Land Services (LLS) – has been appointed the state’s new southern drought coordinator.
The urgency of the role is clear in the latest NSW DPI seasonal outlook, which paints a grim picture: the Riverina and Murray moving further into drought-affected conditions, while South East NSW – including Bombala and Cooma – is rapidly trending the same way.
In practical terms, it means the region is experiencing severe water shortages, lower soil moisture, reduced pasture and crop growth, and heightened stress on livestock and farming operations compared with previous months.
Hardest hit remains Snowy Valleys country south and east of Tumbarumba which looks likely to transition into the more “severe drought” category.
Drawing on extensive experience in agriculture and natural resource management, Mr Willis, a longtime Riverina local, is well placed for the role.
He oversees more than 70 staff at Riverina LLS, coordinating practical support for the NSW Government’s local primary industries, the natural environment, biosecurity, Aboriginal cultural heritage and emergency management programs.
He has also held senior leadership positions, including general manager of the former Hume Livestock Health and Pest Authority and currently serves as a board member on Regional Development Australia – Riverina.
Mr Willis’s role involves travelling across the region to provide on-the-ground backing and ensure government drought assistance is effectively delivered to the communities that need it most.
Since his appointment in late November, he has met with key organisations – including Snowy Valleys Council, the Drought Innovation Hub, the Rural Financial Counselling Service and major financial institutions – to gain a thorough understanding of local challenges.
In the coming months, he will attend field days, community events and round-tables, working closely with government agencies, councils, industry groups, and service providers to strengthen regional drought response networks.
He emphasised the importance of being present and accessible.
“Having a dedicated drought coordinator on the ground is another touchpoint for landholders to access the help they need,” he said.
“I look forward to meeting and listening to as many farmers, stakeholders and service providers as possible to hear their perspective on the challenges they face and better inform government of the types of assistance and information required to get them through these dry times.”
The appointment has been strongly welcomed by Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, who emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting rural communities under pressure.
“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,” she said.
“The appointment of a drought coordinator is one way we’re making sure impacted communities have a direct line to government about the challenges they’re facing. Ray will provide regular updates on local conditions, highlight emerging issues, and share advice based on community experience and local expertise to help shape government decision‑making.”
Ms Moriarty noted that drought was placing enormous pressure on families, businesses and communities across southern NSW.
“We’ve been listening to farmers in these regions about how we can provide further assistance,” she said. “Ray brings local knowledge and extensive experience to ensure help reaches where it’s needed most.”
Alongside Mr Willis’s immediate deployment, the NSW Government has launched a communications campaign to ensure farmers, businesses, and residents are aware of the full spectrum of drought support available from both State and Federal governments.
The campaign includes radio and print advertising in January, a social media push continuing through February, and a targeted email to more than 7800 recipients across the Riverina and Murray.
Drought support information is also available at LLS offices so communities can easily access advice and resources.
Available support includes low‑interest loans through the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund; farm management tools such as MyStockPlanner to help manage pasture nutrition during green‑drought conditions; on‑ground advice via LLS, including the Drought Adoption Officer Program and access to the Seasonal Conditions Monitoring Program.
Dedicated mental health support is provided through the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), while resilience‑building initiatives – such as the Farm Business Resilience Program and the Regional Drought Resilience Program – offer practical training and planning support.
Centralised online resources are available via the NSW DroughtHub for those seeking comprehensive information about assistance options.
Mr Willis’s role is initially for six months, with the potential to extend or expand to other parts of NSW as conditions evolve.
Farmers and community members are encouraged to use this new connection point to ensure support reaches those hardest hit by emailing [email protected] or taking the opportunity to speak with Mr Willis at upcoming field days, roundtables and local events.
In the meantime, Harden-based LLS manager Charlie Lucas steps into the role of acting general manager for Riverina LLS.
