Assistance
Primary producers and rural small businesses in the service region are eligible to apply for drought assistance.
Rebates for soil surveys, irrigation works and scheduling services are available to Victorian and NSW irrigators through respective State programs.
Low interest loans for conservation works are available for NSW irrigators and farmers through the Rural Assistance Authority Special Conservation Assistance program, with other irrigation incentives available through the NSW Department of Primary Industries. and the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management Authority.
Irrigation incentives, including rebates for soil surveys, irrigation works and scheduling services for Victorian irrigators are available through the Department of Primary Industries. and the Mallee Catchment Management Authority.
On-Farm Productivity Improvement Grants are available for Victorian farmers to carry out infrastructure improvements to reduce the impact of drought. Such improvements include silos, silage bunkers, hay sheds, reticulated stock water systems or improvements in packing sheds and cool rooms, or fruit production systems. The grant is not available for irrigation improvements.
For information about any other state government assistance contact the Service to discuss particulars.
The Commonwealth FarmReady program provides training subsidies for primary producers to improve their capacity to adapt to climate change and increase their self reliance and preparedness.
Financial assistance for farming families in difficulty is also available through the Climate Change Adjustment Program administered by Centrelink.
Funding assistance for new initiatives is also available through the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
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