Western Sydney farmers ‘hopeless and anxious’ ahead of summer
MUCH of the focus of NSW’s record drought has been in regional areas, but farmers in Sydney’s urban fringes have also been “devastated”. One Mulgoa family has shared their story of grief and say they feel “overlooked”.
Penrith
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“WE’RE so close to the suburbs but we have no access to water.”
Sonia Crestani’s farm on Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa is as dry as it gets.
Her family hasn’t touched their lawnmower in a year, and spend hundreds of dollars per week buying stock and water to hand feed their alpacas — which they breed on the farm.
The family moved to the Fairlight Rd property for a fresh start 11 years ago, following the tragic loss of their 11-year-old son.
But Ms Crestani said Mulgoa’s “beautiful community” was crumbling around them, with a record drought hitting the region hard.
“I’ve been more down in the last six months than I have been in my whole life,” she said. “This is the worst I’ve ever seen it.”
Greater Sydney is considered to be in “intense drought”, according to the Department of Primary Industry’s combined drought indicator.
Ms Crestani said she didn’t think Sydneysiders knew how bad the drought was in their own backyard.
She has applied for the State Government’s $500 million Emergency Drought Relief Package, but says the family feel “overlooked”.
“We aren’t sure if we even fit the criteria,” she said. “There’s no one really encouraging us to keep going.”
Mulgoa state Liberal MP Tanya Davies said the eligibility was not based on location, and encouraged local farmers to apply.
“Most people aren’t aware that the greater Sydney region is also in ‘intense drought’ and many farmers in this semi-regional area have been devastated by this drought,” she said.
Ms Crestani, who lives on the alpaca farm with her husband and three children, said they had hoped the farm would one day be passed on to future generations. But it was now taking an emotional toll on the family.
“What used to bring me joy … is quite depressing now,” she said.
Ms Crestani said she and her neighbours felt “hopeless and anxious” ahead of the approaching summer and fire season, with no access to water on her land.
Penrith Council said it would consider assistance to local residents, call 4732 7777.
Drought relief: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/