Lush green pastures in western NSW belie the truth: more rain is desperately needed

Dubbo and Tamworth still need to preserve town water and farmers are still doing it tough economically'

At Tamworth South public school the oval is no longer a dust bowl. Around the hinterland of Dubbo pastures are lush and green. But appearances can be deceptive.

Farmers and townships in western New South Wales are still hoping that rain that has fallen over winter will continue, filling the dams, and the drought won't return.