Drought Assistance



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Drought Assistance

Individuals, families and farms can access a range of support services and payments to help manage the drought and prepare for the future.

As an accounting firm that has seen our clients through many tough times, we wanted to collate a list of these initiatives to give those in need a starting point. Please share this document as it may be able to provide assistance to others you know

We’re here for you. Please contact us if you need help applying for drought relief assistance.


Farm Household Allowance

The Farm Household Allowance is offered by Centrelink provides:

  • Up to four cumulative years of support for eligible farmers and farmer’s partners experiencing financial hardship.

  • Help to meet basic household needs.

Find out more


Drought loans

Drought loans of up to $2 million are available from the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC). These loans are available at concessional variable rate of 3.11% (from 1 August 2019).

Find out more


Animal Welfare Transport Subsidy

This subsidy covers up to 50% of the transport of livestock that have little or no feed/water available
You can claim up to $20,000 per financial year per farm enterprise.

Find out more


Drought Assistance Fund

This loan can be used for:

  • The transport of stock, fodder and water

  • Genetic banking of breeding herds

  • Installation of on-farm fodder and water infrastructure

  • Activities that promote profitability and resilience as a result of the on-farm investment

Find out more


Emergency Drought Transport Subsidy

This subsidy covers 50% of the transport costs and can be used for:

  • Stock to sale or slaughter transport

  • Transport of water and transport of fodder for stock

  • Transport of farm chemicals, fertiliser and seed 

Find out more


Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme

This scheme allows eligible primary producers to claim a rebate of 25% of the cost of purchase, delivery and if applicable, the professional installation costs of water infrastructure to meet animal welfare needs.

Find out more


Farm Innovation Fund

The primary categories are:

  • Drought preparedness

  • Environment

  • Farm infrastructure

  • Natural resources.

Find out more


AGL’s Farmer Assist

With the Drought Relief Assistance package, farmers can have up to $1,500 of existing debt wiped off their AGL business energy bill, while the Solar Assistance package provides an upfront discount ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to help you fund your own solar panel system.

Find out more


Country Women’s Association of NSW – Drought Aid website

The CWA Drought Aid program provides assistance to help meet household expenses for drought-affected families.

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Emergency Relief Program

The assistance offered may include:

  • food, transport or chemist vouchers

  • part-payment of utility account(s)

  • food parcels or clothing

  • budgeting assistance

  • referrals to other services that help to address underlying causes of the financial crisis.

Find out more


Buy a Bale

Rural Aid is offering primary producers in drought-affected areas a once-off $1,500 towards bill payment.

Once you are verified as being in a drought-declared/affected area, applications are approved within 14 working days.

Find out more


Rural Financial Counselling Service

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) provides free financial counselling to farmers, fishers, forest growers and harvesters and small related businesses who are suffering financial hardship.

It’s a confidential, independent, mobile service available in all states and territories.

Find out more