"It's really refreshing and wonderful to know that people you have never met, thousands of kilometres away, care enough to go out and buy water to help."
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Parched pastoralists like Sue Andrews in the state's far west, now have access to much-needed water.
A resource which dried up months ago, this access stems from the generosity of a group of Murrumbidgee farmers
Many, like Tony McBride from Lock Lilly Station, have been able to fill tankers with water, distributed to fellow pastorlaists and isolated residents of the Unincorporated Area of Far West NSW and Central Darling Shire.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Far West have been working with key stakeholders to deliver and distribute our farmers' donation of 28 megalitres of water.
Also RDA Far West's treasurer, Ms Andrews said Essential Water were "fantastic" in developing new infrastructure for the water's "efficient and effective" distribution.
This really has been a wonderful collaboration to firstly obtain the water, transfer the licence and ensure the people of the Unincorporated Area who are really struggling, are able to access critical water for stock and domestic needs.
- Sue Andrews
"This really has been a wonderful collaboration to firstly obtain the water, transfer the licence and ensure the people of the Unincorporated Area who are really struggling, are able to access critical water for stock and domestic needs," she said.
"The member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, has been instrumental and has worked with WaterNSW and RDA Far West to ensure this water could be transferred and accessed as soon as possible."
Ms Andrews said in her many years on the land, this is the most severe drought she has ever experienced., impacting every sector.
"On behalf of RDA Far West and the entire region we would like to sincerely thank the farmers involved, Minister Ley, Essential Water and everyone else who has worked behind the scenes to make this happen."
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Griffith farmer Tony Sergi came up with the concept late last year, canvasing local farmers for donations.
"It is really pleasing to see that the water is now reaching where it is needed," he said.
He thanked all the donors from across the MIA and beyond for their generosity.
"I would also like to make special mention of Peter Cremasco who has been fantastic in helping to promote this initiative across the region."