Buoyed by the granting of $136,400 for the renovation of the old convent and exhibition hall to help cater for more visitors, the group despaired when members of the public questioned just how this funding was going to help farmers.

Deputy mayor David Kingham said that people need to understand that the Drought Communities Project was actually a business stimulation project and was never intended to be given directly to farmers.

“The federal government’s plan is to invigorate local communities,” he said, “None of the funding is to go to farmers to subsidise them for the cost of feeding their livestock.”

“The brief given to council was that the money was to fund projects that will employ local trades people and local businesses to improve their capabilities.

“Builders, painters, electricians, plumbers, metal workers, fencers, fitter and turners, rural supply people, the idea is to stimulate the business community.”

Some critics have also questioned as to how some of the projects, such as fencing of ovals and hall restorations, relate to water security and storage.

Cr Kingham said that council looked at both water conservation projects and also had wished to develop a project in every village that would have a lasting benefit, not a short term one.

“There were a number of water saving projects such as upgrading the community bores and Napier Oval bore as well as storing the 3.3 megalitres of water at the indoor arena and distributing it throughout the showground, rather than purchasing it through Central Tablelands Water,” he said.

“Then we looked at what we could do for the villages and how each of them could have some kind of material benefit. Lyndhurst wanted permanent seating around the recreation ground and permanent lighting at the team penning arena. Neville and Carcoar received fencing money and Mandurama for their hall.”