According to NSW opposition leader and Gloucester native Jodi McKay, Gloucester is the first coastal region to run out of water in its rivers, something that hasn't happened in living memory.

"In the 50 years that I've lived here I've never seen anything like this," Ms McKay said during a recent visit to her hometown.

She was in Gloucester on January 16 to raise questions about the effectiveness of the National Party's State election promise for a NSW Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate.

"We advocated for the position as it's needed for an industry that is on its knees," Ms McKay said. "It's so important that we have a dedicated voice in government standing up for dairy farmers and working to get them through these fires and this drought. The position has failed them."

Ms McKay visited Gloucester dairy farmer and Dairy Connect farmers group president, Graham Forbes to talk about what is needed to help to save the dairy industry. According to Graham, Dairy Connect lobbed for the dairy advocate position to work as an independent conduit between State Government and dairy farmers.

"What was promised isn't being delivered," Graham said. "I don't think the role has been clearly defined."

The drought has come down hard on the industry, causing some dairy farmers to close up shop.

"Once you stop it's hard to restart," Graham said.

Unlike the beef industry which during times of drought can sell off stock to reduce the feed burden, the dairy industry needs to maintain its stock for milk production.

"Dairying is different. It's a perennial industry," Graham explained. "At the moment, we're bringing in three semi loads of hay per week and a couple loads of grain."

Graham's dairy relies on the Barrington River to irrigate the crops, but cease-to-pump conditions began in December and the farm is down to its last green crop. And it's not only the drought that's causing havoc in the industry statewide, recent bushfires have destroyed land and infrastructure, mainly on the South Coast.

In September last year, the NSW Minister for Agriculture, Adam Marshall announced Ian Zandstra as the first dairy advocate. The role was to provide a united voice for the industry, deliver advice to government, help drive profitability and assist in the delivery of a Dairy Action Plan.

According to Nowra-based Ian, the climate conditions are further crippling an already struggling industry, and the feasibility of dairying in the northern parts of the State and Queensland are becoming more difficult with less water and higher temperatures. But he's optimistic about his position as dairy advocate and believes there's been some good progress since he officially started in late September. Despite the delays caused by the fires, Ian said the panel for the new action plan has been chosen and the group has held its first meeting.

"My position has a clear job description. I've been in the industry for a long time but I've been out of the dialogue for a while, but I've been well involved," Ian said.

He knows the role is to be independent, work as a communicator between government and farmers, and "keep an eye on the minister" in regard to the election promises to dairy.

"We know how hard it is for the farmers. The farmers who've stayed are doing a great job and we have to admire them."