Drought Support

Primary producers can access state and federal drought support without a drought declaration.  

The Queensland Government’s Drought preparedness program lists available support, including: 

• Sustainability Loans of up to $1.3 million can help you invest in infrastructure to secure the future sustainability of your business. You can use these loans for drought preparedness activities and infrastructure that enhances drought resilience. 
• First Start Loans of up to $2 million can help you in the initial years of establishing your business. 
• Drought Preparedness Grants
  • These grants offer 25% of the cost of purchasing new or upgrading permanent capital infrastructure (up to a total of $50,000) to improve drought resilience. 
  • To apply, you need to have a Farm Business Resilience Plan or an equivalent farm business plan that covers the same details. 

The Queensland Government’s Small business wellbeing support provides free and confidential wellbeing support to help small business owners experiencing mental health challenges to manage financial pressures and build a stronger future for your business. You do not need to be drought declared to access. 

The Australian Government provides Drought, disaster and rural support, including: 

• Drought Hardship Loan – applications now open. You do not have to be drought declared to access, but you do need to show you are drought impacted. This loan, delivered by the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), provides financial relief for farmers experiencing severe and prolonged drought. 
• Farm Household Allowance - provides assistance to commercial-scale farmers and their partners who are experiencing financial hardship for any reason. To check your eligibility, use the Services Australia Eligibility Checker and begin your claim through Services Australia Farm Household Allowance. 
• Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Southern Queensland - an ongoing Australian Government program that provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.  
• ATO support in difficult times and Tax concessions