The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams says the submission for Exceptional Circumstances for an area centred on Delungra has been sent to Canberra.

Senator Williams said following the detailed application prepared by his office in conjunction with farmers and industry representatives, he has been advised the completed submission has been forwarded to the office of the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

"My office received over 70 completed survey forms from farmers and this information was processed and forwarded to NSW Minister for Primary Industries Steve Whan who in turn asked Industry and Investment to determine if the EC crietria is met.

The data collected relates to the 12 months period from May 2009 to April 2010, the severe shortage of ground water resulting from the prolonged drought and the impact on farm production and finance. The finalised submission covers an area of 270,200 hectares in 30 parishes.This takes in between 350 and 400 farming families.

I would hope the submission is forwarded to the National Rural Advisory Council as soon as possible to start the evaluation process", Senator Williams said.