For farmers on the South Coast struggling in the drought, Water Minister David Littleproud is the Grinch that Stole Christmas, says Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips.

This week, the government announced yet another drought relief program – that the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Kiama regions are not eligible for.

Raising the hopes of local farmers that they might get some reprieve from the drought at Christmas, the government announced it would top-up the Drought Community Support Initiative.

But just like with all other drought-related announcements in recent months, the government has again shown it is not listening by leaving the South Coast off the list of drought-impacted areas.

So far, the Minister has refused to explain why the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Kiama regions are not listed as drought-impacted when the NSW Combined Drought Indicator lists these areas as in intense drought or drought.

“I am constantly hearing farmers who are absolutely struggling with the drought and want some help from this government,” Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said.

“They have tried applying for drought loans and been knocked back because apparently they are not in drought!”

“That is simply outrageous”

Mrs Phillips said she had written to multiple Ministers over a number of months trying to get answers for local farmers.

“The Morrison Government has shown absolute contempt for farmers on the South Coast,” she said.

“There is simply no other way to put it – David Littleproud is the Grinch that Stole Christmas from South Coast farmers,” Fiona Phillips said.