Drought is taking its toll on communities across the nation and in many cases the ripple effects will continue to be felt for years, including in local economies and community leadership.
In the New South Wales central-west, farmer Rex Wilson counts himself fortunate to have served the people of the Warren Shire, first as a councillor and then as mayor for past 30 years.
He has led the community through good times and bad, through times of economic prosperity, and during floods, droughts and changes to irrigation policy that saw many jobs leave the shire.
As mayor he oversaw post-flood investment and recovery projects involving state and federal government funding, and has also managed the often-competing interests of the community in the wake of water buy-backs under irrigation reconstruction.
'It can get lonely in the middle'
"It was sensitive because we represent both the interests of the Macquarie Marshes and also the concerns of the local irrigation industry," Cr Wilson said.
"At times that can mean you have displeased both sides of the debate, and things can get a bit lonely in the middle."
Now, the extended drought has resulted in Cr Wilson making the decision to step aside and not run again as mayor.
It is not a decision he has taken lightly after more than three decades in local government.
"I have been thinking for some time that we need to have a think about the future," Cr Wilson said at his farm in the Macquarie Valley.
"When I started all those years ago, it was easy enough to catch up if I had a couple of days out on council things, but these days I can't sprint and catch up."
He plans to step aside at the next meeting, and will resign from the council when he can do so in a way that will not force Warren Council to hold a by-election, in order to avoid the expense to ratepayers.
Range of backgrounds needed
Cr Wilson believes it is essential for aspiring local government representatives to consider local issues.
"I worry that local government, local councils are increasingly being called on to provide services that historically have been the responsibility of state and federal authorities," he said.
"If people are looking to stand for election to local government, I think it's important that they're there for the good of the council, for the good of the community, and not as a way to pursue a wider political career.
"I think the best local government representatives are those who can work effectively with other people, who can look on it as a cooperative effort."
Cr Wilson said the best council was one that reflected the range of backgrounds that represented the community.
"I'm not in the business of giving advice, particularly to the federal Liberal Party, but I think they could look at Warren and see we've got the gender balance right and we've certainly got the stability right," he said.
