The National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) will undertake a tour of the worst-affected drought areas of the New England Livestock Health and Pest Authority on the 20^th of this month.

This was announced today by The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

NRAC's visit is in response to a drought submission prepared by Senator Williams on behalf of  more than 30 landholders in the Bundarra area, and which has since been enlarged as more areas of the north and north-west fell into severe drought.

"Two of the eight member panel of NRAC will be in the Bundarra and wider area on the 20^th to see for themselves the toll the drought has taken on properties with no feed, little or no water and high de-stocking rates.

Although many areas have had good falls of rain over recent weeks, falls have been patchy in the Bundarra and Barraba districts and this will be reinforced to the NRAC representatives.

They will meet with groups of producers and industry representatives, and hopefully their recommendation will result in the declaration of Exceptional Circumstances", Senator Williams said.

ENDS