Three separate areas of the north are officially the driest in New South Wales and strengthens the case for Exceptional Circumstances, according to The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

The Bureau of Meteorology's rainfall deficiency for the 12 months to the end of April lists Delungra and the district to the north west, properties south west of Bingara and north-east of Bundarra as being severely deficient and in the lowest 5 percentile rainfall band.

Senator Williams said some of these areas were not included in the revised application which is now being considered by the National Rural Advisory Council, but there is now an opportunity to consider a separate application.

"As each day goes by, the drought is taking a tighter grip on this part of New England and the North West Slopes and farmers have been approaching my office seeking assistance.

Water supplies have or are drying up, there is little feed and feeding costs are prohibitive. They are entering the winter in bad shape.

I have decided to call a public meeting at Delungra Bowling Club on Tuesday night the 18^th of May to hear their stories and prepare a further application to go to the New South Wales Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan", Senator Williams said.

Industry and Investment, LH & PA and Centrelink officers will also be invited to attend the meeting which commences at 6.30pm.

ENDS