Available assistance for drought affected farmers

Available assistance for drought affected farmers

Published Jun 26, 2018

In June 2018 the NSW Government announced a significant extension of existing drought assistance measures. This includes funds for three new weather radars, counselling services, and seven year interest free loans of up to $50,000 for drought affected primary producers to use for fodder, stock and water transport, water and fodder infrastructure, and storing of herd genetics.

The Government has also added a further $250 million to the Farm Innovation Scheme. This existing scheme allows primary producers to apply for loans to identify and solve risks within your farm. This includes improving infrastructure and sustainable land use.

Assistance currently available includes:

  • NSW Drought Transport Fund
  • Farm Household Allowance
  • NSW Farm Innovation Fund
  • Drought Concessional Loans
  • Farm Management Deposits
  • Animal Welfare Assistance, this includes transport assistance for donated fodder.

The Government is also offering rural financial counselling services, along with farm debt mediation and business skills development for farmers who need help with their finances, budgets and creditors. They have also offered more support to rural counselling services, looking at the mental health of rural and remote farmers.

For more information regarding what is available, check out the Department of Primary Industries DroughtHub



Andrew Freebairn

This document has been prepared for general information only and is not intended as personal advice. Any statements of law or proposals are based on Forsyths' interpretation as at the date of issue. Accounting & business services are provided by Forsyths Business Services Pty Ltd ABN 66 182 781 401, liability is limited under a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.