Farmers in the Delungra, Warialda and Inverell districts will be praying for a positive decision on their claim for Exceptional Circumstances, according to the Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

Two representatives of the National Rural Advisory Council accompanied by an official from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry met four groups of farmers on Tuesday and Wednesday to hear of their circumstances over the past few years.

Senator Williams said farmers told of having to sell off stock earlier than normal, buy in feed and watch as water supplies dwindled.

"Farmers were calling my office at the start of the year explaining they were in a desperate situation and this was evident when a public meeting at Delungra in May drew over 100 people.

From there most of them completed survey forms which Industry and Investment used as the basis to compile the Delungra submission.

I had the opportunity to meet with the NRAC representatives and urged them to consider what the area looked like over the past few years, rather than its appearance now after good seasonal rain.

I was most impressed with their attitude and the questions they asked, and I believe they are well aware of what these farmers have been through.

It is all about assistance for a recovery period where farmers can re-stock, plant crops and get back on their feet.

Hopefully a decision on the application will be announced before Christmas", Senator Williams said.

ENDS