Drought Assistance

Drought assistance is available to farmers, their families, rural communities and certain small businesses.

Anyone wishing to enquire about assistance should call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.

The types of financial, personal and business assistance measures provided by the Australian Government and other organisations are listed below.

Drought Assistance Measures

A compilation of links to State and Territory Government websites which provide information on drought assistance measures.

Exceptional Circumstances assistance measures

Exit Grants

As at close of business on 10 August 2011, no Exceptional Circumstance Exit Grant applications are being accepted.

All post-sale applications for the EC Exit Grant, lodged prior to the closure of the program 10 August 2011 are being assessed. Those applicants who are subsequently determined to be eligible will have their full entitlements paid.

Applicants who have sought a preliminary assessment (also known as a pre-assessment) of their potential eligibility but who had not sold and settled their property and made a post-sale application prior to its closure on 10 August 2011 do not meet the eligibility requirements of the program and will not receive any payment under the EC Exit Grant.

Income Support

Personal income support payments through Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment.

Interest Rate Subsidies

Farm and small business support through Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidies.

Support for Small Businesses

Exceptional Circumstances income and business support for eligible small businesses.

Professional Advice and Planning Grants

For farmers: 

The Professional Advice and Planning Grants program closed on 30 June 2011.

Any unused vouchers still in your possession can no longer be used for advice and planning services after 30 June 2011.

For service providers:

Service providers have until 31 December 2011 or six months from the date of service (whichever is the earlier) to redeem vouchers for payment.

If you have a question about redeeming a voucher contact the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.

Farm Management Deposits

Farm Management Deposits are a financial risk management tool for farmers to help smooth the uneven income streams that are common in agriculture due to climate and market variability.

Tax Relief

Special taxation measures and concessions available to farmers affected by drought.

Support for Communities

Assistance for Isolated Children

Additional assistance of up to $1000 is available under the Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Additional Boarding Allowance. An ongoing supplementary allowance of $1000 for all students who receive an AIC Distance Education Allowance is also available. For further information, view the Assistance for Isolated Children website, call the Centrelink AIC Hotline on 13 23 18 or contact your local Centrelink branch.

Rural Financial Counselling

Free and impartial financial counselling for farmers, fishers and small businesses.

Social and Emotional Counselling

Free counselling services for families and individuals suffering stress as a result of the drought.

Employment Services

Job Search support, training and access to Newstart allowance arrangements for rural workers in drought affected areas.

Drought Force

A program that helps both drought affected farms with their workforce needs and unemployed rural workers with income support for drought related activity.

Drought Contacts

State and territory Government drought contacts, including contact details for drought assistance and Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidies.