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Drought and rural support

We know that farmers and rural communities deal with a range of on-farm challenges, including drought.

We are here to help.

Support for farmers

Community outreach

Government agencies are visiting communities affected by drought across Australia.

Learn more about drought support services you can access. Get help to access support.

Find an outreach event near you.

Rural Financial Counsellors

Helping you find and apply for funds. With an extra $5 million to support increased demand for our free services.

Contact the RFCS

Farm Household Allowance

For farm households experiencing hardship. New assets threshold and lump sum payments up to $12,000.

Check if you are eligible

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Wellbeing

Services to give you mental and emotional support. Connecting you to the right people to help you.

Find a service

Pest and weed management

Funding measures to manage pest animals and weeds in farm communities.

Current funding priorities

Water

Rebates for on-farm water infrastructure. $50 million in funding over 3 years.

How to access rebates

Regional Investment Corporation

Loans for farmers and farm business owners in financial need. Limit increased to $2 million.

Find loan options

How we can help

Are you still looking for help? We administer a range of drought and rural support measures.

See all drought and rural support we provide.

Access more services

Drought Communities Program

Funding local council projects. Helping rural communities manage through drought.

Read more about the program

Climate and weather

Giving farmers the data they need to assist on-farm decision making.

Check the Bureau of Meteorology

Tax deductions

Special deductions and other tax support for primary producers. Managed by the Australian Taxation Office.

Check for updates

Find a service

Do you need help to find the right support?

Seek advice. You can contact a rural financial counsellor on 1800 686 175.

Check the FarmHub. This new service helps connect Australian farmers with support during tough times, such as drought.

Read the drought assistance information pack. It lists support that you can access from government and national services.

Download:

Building drought resilience

Help for farmers and communities to prepare for drought and adapt to climate change.

Learn more about the Future Drought Fund.

​States and territories

Your local government plays an important role in drought relief. We share responsibilities and work together to help you.

Find more support in your state or territory:

Coordinating our efforts

We are working to get the right help to the right people.

To support this goal, we collaborate with:

  • Coordinator-General for Drought, Major​ ​General Stephen Day
  • Special envoy for drought assistance and recovery

Read more about the drought taskforce.

Media releases

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Last reviewed:
30 May 2019