Drought assistance

Assistance from NSW RAA

The following measures are available from the NSW Rural Assistance Authority to assist rural producers and small business people affected by the drought:

• Consideration for deferral of payments on NSW Rural Assistance Authority loans where temporary repayment difficulties as a result of the drought can be demonstrated.
• Special Conservation Scheme loans of up to $100,000 to landholders who would like to construct water storages or undertake works to improve sustainability.
• Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidy payments to assist eligible rural producers and small-business people in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas to recover from the effects of the drought.

Should you have any questions regarding the above please do not hesitate to contact the Authority on Toll Free 1800 678 593.

Drought Support Workers

Drought Support Workers provide immediate personal support, basic information and referral to other appropriate services.

Other relevant information

• Rural Financial Counsellors
  Help with completion of applications
• Map of Exceptional Circumstances Declared Areas in NSW
  Information from Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• NSW Department of Primary Industries
  Transport and fodder subsidies, Drought Support Workers, advice
• Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (formerly Rural Lands Protection Boards)
  Freight subsidies
• NSW Farmers Association
  Advice on relief measures and distribution of drought-related information
• Centrelink
  Income support
• Catchment Management Authorities
  Help with conservation and natural resource issues
• NSW Department of Community Services
  Drought household payments
• Beyond Blue
  Tackling depression during the drought
• Country Care Link (information from Rural Women's Network)
  Confidential family information and support services (Toll Free 1800 806 160)