Exceptional Circumstances

Information relating to the exceptional circumstances (EC) declaration process, including areas that are currently EC or prima facie declared, as well as maps, eligibility criteria, application deadlines and the pilot of drought reform measures in Western Australia are listed below.

Background

The history of EC policies and programs.

EC Handbook

A guide to policy and assistance provided under EC arrangements.

EC Interest Rate Subsidy (IRS) - Farmers and Small Business Policy Guidelines

Policy guidelines issued to the states and territories administering ECIRS.

Pilot of drought reform measures in Western Australia

The pilot of drought reform measures in Western Australia will not affect eligible EC customers under the current EC arrangements. The Australian Government is continuing EC assistance for eligible farmers in EC–declared areas, including the EC Relief Payment and EC Interest Rate Subsidies.

FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about EC.

National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC)

Information on NRAC’s assessment of new EC applications and review of existing EC declarations.

Select your state on the map below (or from the menu at left) for information and maps of EC and prima facie declared areas

Download the Australia wide EC or prima facie area map PDF [200kb]

Note: If you are experiencing problems viewing or printing a map, try saving it to your desktop first. To do this, right click on the map and select 'Save Target As', 'Save File As' or 'Save Picture As'. If you are still experiencing problems email DAFF PR.