THE former chief of the National Farmers' Federation has come out in support of the Abbott Government's moves to overhaul drought assistance.

Speaking as the guest of the Warwick Club at a recent business lunch, David Crombie said it was crucial to support primary producers to better prepare for future droughts and to ensure the criteria for financial help was fairer and clearer.

With the Southern Downs having been drought declared just last week Mr Crombie's comments are timely, describing the Federal Government's new $320 million Drought Assistance package as "a good start" although it could have gone further.

The former federal Exceptional Circumstances declarations will no longer apply as the federal reform work is being completed, with the new package seen by many in agricultural circles as a stop gap measure.

"It is absolutely essential that producers and government better manage the risk from natural disasters," Mr Crombie said.

"This can be done through taxation measures but it's also about improving fodder and feed storage systems and water infrastructure

"The other big issue has been the past practice of simply drawing lines on drought maps, which has meant in some instances one neighbour has been on the right side of the line and another has been out."

The drought reforms under development by Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce could include concessional loans and while the government is staying mum on the details, it is understood further income support measures and changes to the definitions of exceptional circumstances are also on the table

Queensland MP George Christensen has said while he and other Nationals were advocating for a rural development bank, such a proposal was a longer-term issue.

What are your views on drought reform? Email editor@warwickdailynews.com.au