Drought financial support
The Federal and NSW Government is providing a range of financial support for drought-affected communities including:
Service NSW support
You can find help with drought-specific rebates and support through Service NSW's Savings Finder page or by making an appointment with a Savings Specialist.
Rural Assistance Authority
The Rural Assistance Authority administers a wide range of assistance measures to the rural sector. These assistance measures are both Commonwealth and state funded. Whilst the rural sector is its core client, the Authority is also responsible for small businesses that have suffered loss or damage due to natural disaster. For more information visit Rural Assistance Authority or call 1800 678 593.
Drought Ready and Resilient Fund
Through the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund, eligible farmers can access a low interest loan up to $250,000 to help prepare for, manage and recover from drought. The loan can be used for products, activities and services relating to animal welfare, farm preparedness, income diversification, environmental improvements as well as training and business development. Applications are now open and will continue to be accepted until program funding is exhausted.
NSW Drought Infrastructure Fund
The NSW Government’s Drought Infrastructure Fund provided long term, low interest loans of up to $1 million to support NSW farmers to invest in permanent on-farm infrastructure to manage adverse seasonal conditions, ensure long term sustainability and improve farm productivity.
Future Drought Fund
The NSW Government Future Drought Fund helps farmers and rural communities prepare for drought. It includes subsidised training and coaching, innovation for drought resilience, information about the projected impacts of climate change on different commodities, and low-cost drought loans.
Drought Loan and AgBiz Drought Loan
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is a national low-interest loan specialist funded by the Australian Government for farm businesses and farm-related small businesses. RIC Loans include Drought Loan and AgBiz Drought Loan.
Disaster Assist
Disaster Assist allows people to apply for disaster recovery payments when their Local Government Area has been declared a natural disaster.