The entire state of New South Wales is effectively, and now officially, drought-declared.

Across the Southern Tablelands for the autumn period, the Bureau of Meteorology reported that we received only 33 percent of our average autumn rainfall.

Winter brought no relief with 65 percent of average rainfall across the region in June; July far worse with a mere 27 percent of average. 

It’s not just those on the land who are feeling the pinch, however. Across the state, businesses in rural and regional centres are reporting a downturn in business as belts are tightened.

While aid is available for farmers, however, there is no emergency relief for businesses that are suffering as a result of the drying up of income.

The local consumer movement has gained a lot of traction in recent years as a means of strengthening local economies and minimising environmental impact.

Now, there has never been a more important time to keep your consumer dollar in the local community.

In Australia, for every $100 spent in a national chain business, about $13 stays in the local community.

By comparison, for every $100 spent in a local business, around $45 remains in the local community.

That $45 helps to pay local salaries; it goes towards engaging local professional services such as bookkeeping, cleaning or legal services; and is spent in other businesses. 

For communities where off-farm incomes may well be keeping families going with no income from farming, ensuring the viability of businesses that employ local people is crucial.

Crookwell, and the greater Upper Lachlan, is in the fortunate position of having a healthy local tourism industry, which keeps many of our local businesses ticking over.

However, this does not guarantee immunity from a rural community facing straitened circumstances. 

If goods and services are locally provided, it makes economic and social sense to prioritise those over travelling to Goulburn, Canberra or Queanbeyan for the same services.

We hear a lot from people who are keen to have outside businesses and companies invest in our region, but the best investment comes from the people who live here.