The government announced last Friday another four councils in NSW could each access $1 million under the drought communities program where areas could use the funding for projects including rehabilitation of sporting ovals and installing bores.

Federation’s northern neighbours Narrandera was among the four successful NSW councils along with Carrathool.

Federation general manager Adrian Butler and Farrer MP Sussan Ley both raised concerns about the department’s heavy reliance on Bureau of Meteorology rainfall data in determining which areas were added.

“The frost event in August has not been considered in these calculations to our knowledge,” Mr Butler said.

“That combined with the general lack of rainfall across most of the council area is having a profound affect on our landholders, producers and industries and we have been very vocal about that.

“Obviously council is disappointed to not be included, but we will continue to advocate with our local member, not only for our farmers who are facing varying challenges from farm to farm, but for directly impacted small businesses and farm employees who will suffer greatly from the lack of harvest activity this summer.”

Ms Ley said she had taken up the issue directly with the BOM.

“For me, the inflexible criteria and data analysis being applied to the program is completely out-of-whack with what is actually happening on the ground,” she said.

“Of the four NSW councils listed, two are in Farrer, so it’s self-evident a wide part of our region is being hit hard, regardless of council boundaries.

“I also raised these concerns with my colleague Bridget McKenzie, with the hope any further round of this program will add my councils being adversely impacted by the ongoing dry.”