The Minns Labor Government has confirmed it will cut up to 165 jobs from the only department dedicated to regional NSW.

While it says temporary and back room jobs will go from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, there are concerns that services in regional areas will be affected.

Although an official statement says there is no final decision on what departments will be affected, four per cent of the department's workforce will make way for a ‘’more sustainable and responsible future.’’

Barwon MP Roy Butler says he is disappointed.

''I have worked for six years towards ensuring public servant numbers in regional NSW are maintained and grown.

"They provide a reliable source of income that supports local businesses and ensures that bureaucrats close to decisions affecting regional communities understand the needs of these regional communities.

"So aside from a loss of drought-proof income, we also run the risk of losing touch with what communities want and need.

"I will be advocating to the NSW Premier that any reduction in FTE (full-time equivalent) staff numbers be offset through recruitment to other agencies, ensuring these jobs remain in regional areas."

Primary Industries Secretary Steve Orr says 22 million will be saved and the positions won't be frontline services.

''There is consultation happening now and this is challenging and I have talked with the minister Tora Moriarty.''

The Minister says ''There won't be any frontline services and effects and impacts on regional NSW.''

The Public Service Association's Julie Bond says she is deeply concerned frontline roles will be effected and is working with members.

President of NSW Farmers, Xavier Martin. [IMAGE: facebook]

NSW Farmers Xavier Martin said his organisation is concerned for both the government staff involved and for the possible impacts on the agricultural industry.

''We’re mindful that there are real people who will be impacted by this decision, and this will certainly not be easy for them," he said.

"We are also keen to understand what this decision means for the thousands of farmers across the state who rely on the support and expertise of departmental staff, particularly in agriculture and biosecurity.

"There is enormous economic potential for agriculture in NSW, with our goal to grow to $30 billion by 2030, but we will only get there with the appropriate support and investment from the NSW Government.

"It is critical that any staffing changes do not negatively impact the delivery of frontline services for farmers.''

Leader of NSW Nationals, Dugald Saunders says its time to be clear on the cuts. IMAGE: D SAunders

NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders says some of the teams where these redundancies will come from include agriculture and biosecurity, regional development and delivery in the regional programs and partnerships team and enabling services in the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA).

"These gut wrenching cuts to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are a slap in the face to an agency that does immeasurable work and has served our country communities for many years, ensuring they are supported in every way.

''Not only does it raise alarm bells for our primary producers who are constantly facing threats to our food and fibre, but also to the RAA, the lead agency responsible for rolling out natural disaster grants, which seems ludicrous when you consider the past year.

"It's also disappointing to hear the team that helped manage the Resources for Regions and Stronger Country Communities programs, which has seen hundreds of millions of dollars directed towards regional projects, are also on the chopping block which raises questions about how any support will flow to the bush.

''The Minns Government and in particular Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty needs to own up to this decision and provide clarity around how these changes will impact every farmer and every resident living in a regional area right now.''