The National Drought & Flood Agency was formed last year after the devastating floods in far north Queensland. At that time, it was the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency, but in December, the Prime Minister expanded the Agency's responsibilities to include drought at a national level.

Mayor Peter Petty, councillors, council staff, and members from the agricultural and business communities met Mr Stone to discuss response measures that are working well and those that need improvement, as well as innovative practices and longer-term projects to help manage future droughts.

"My role is to turn up and listen to what people have to say," Mr Stone said.

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"Part of our strategy is to come and meet with locals, not to participate in a gab-fest but rather to ask: 'What is it that we can do that can make a difference in your lives?

"We expect that whatever we implement will be locally designed and implemented, so that they own the measures that we bring back from the Federal Government.

"I want to reassure people that the Prime Minister is absolutely committed to doing what we need to do to help people through this drought. His performance in the flood zone was outstanding, and no-one should have any doubt about his commitment."

A focus of discussion was how people can better find out the range of financial and practical assistance already available and how to access it.

"Although we are getting some rainfall in parts of our Shire, and Tenterfield is back to looking green and verdant, there are many areas that are still suffering. I note here that Urbenville has just gone to Level 4 Water Restrictions which is unheard of in that area," Mayor Peter Petty said.

"On behalf of Council, I thank those organisations that are working for the benefit of not only our community, but all those other towns, villages and localities throughout NSW and Victoria who are now dealing with their own catastrophe. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those communities and to the wonderful volunteers who just keep on giving", the Mayor added.

The group also met Harry Bolton and members of the Tenterfield Rotary Club over breakfast the following morning. They discussed the importance of maintaining individual and community spirit, including how people can look out for each other during difficult times.

Mr Stone also visited Goondiwindi and Moree that week.

"No-one should underestimate how diabolical the situation is," he said in Moree.

"Yesterday Stanthorpe ran out of water and are now having to truck water to survive.

"Terribly serious things are happening in our rural communities, and no-one should underestimate the impact this has on these communities, including families.

"They are looking for some form of assistance, whether it be by grants or loans so they can just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

"Most of them have run out of money. Debt is accumulating everywhere in these communities.

"There is a certain sameness, whether we're in Boulia or Blackhall or Longreach or here. This drought is biting and it's biting deep. And I just hope the rest of Australia understands the unfolding devastation out in these communities.

"But if we work together and we keep it going together, we'll get there."