Drought Programs & Grants
There are a range of programs and support options available to drought affected individuals, businesses and communities. This section is divided into the following three categories
The South Australian Drought Assistance Measures brochure provides a snapshot and contact details for a wide range of programs from government and non government organisations.
South Australian Government programs
2008 Drought Program
The 2008 Drought Program - skilling young people involved in primary production will consist of two, 6 day programs to be held in Adelaide in 2008.
A Young Farmers Drought Program Planning Session will be held in Adelaide on 18 March to help decide on content for the program.
Back to SA Government programs top
Community Grants Program
As part of the South Australian Government's package of measures to support the farm sector through and beyond the drought conditions of 2006, $500,000 has been made available for community projects that will contribute to building the resilience and spirit of rural communities. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for group activities that will support rural communities in areas affected by drought conditions. The Community Support Grant guidelines are available in pdf or a hard copy can be sent to by calling 1800 182 235.
Back to SA Government programs top
River Murray Drought Events Calendar
The River Murray Drought Events Calendar provides a list of seminars, field days and workshops for irrigators.
Back to SA Government programs top
Planning for Recovery
The Planning for Recovery program aims to facilitate the transition process of recovery from this period of exceptional circumstances, into a focus on improving the preparedness and minimising the effects of adverse events in the future.
The Program provides support to Exceptional Circumstances regions, with grants made available to farm businesses that are currently in receipt of the EC Interest Rate Support Subsidy at the time of application.
For more information visit the EC support page
Back to SA Government programs top
Drought Apprentice Retention Program
Employers in rural communities will be able to apply for payments of $750 per apprentice or trainee enrolled in rural qualifications and in mechanical and electrical automotive trades that support agriculture production.
For more information visit the DFEEST website or contact the Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services on 1800 673 097.
Back to SA Government programs top
Farm Finance Strategy
The South Australian Farmers' Federation (SAFF), The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA), Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA), Rural Financial Counselling Service SA Inc (RFCSSA) and The Law Society of South Australia (LSSA) have worked together to establish the Farm Finance Strategy.
The attached Strategy outlines a collaborative framework for financial institutions, assistance authorities, rural organisations, primary producers and their respective financial advisers and counsellors, to work together to improve farm viability and resolve financial problems, as they arise, to the satisfaction of all involved. This includes access to independent professional advice by the primary producer, early recognition of financial problems, resolving problems through negotiation and voluntary mediation where the problem has not been able to be resolved by negotiation.
The information is also available in a brochure format.
For more information on the Farm Finance Strategy, contact SAFF on 8100 8711.
Back to SA Government programs top
Farm Debt Mediation
Grants of up to $2,000 are available for the cost of an independent mediator to help negotiate with your financial institution. Information is available in the Farm Debt Mediation guidelines.
Complete the Farm Debt Mediation application form and return it to PIRSA Prudential and Rural Financial Services. For more information or a hard copy of the guidelines and application form contact PIRSA on 1800 182 235.
Back to SA Government programs top
Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman
The Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman (BFSO) is a free and independent dispute resolution service that considers disputes between consumers and financial service providers who are members of the scheme.
Further information on the BFSO is available from their website.
Back to SA Government programs top
Mortgage Stamp Duty Relief
Mortgage stamp duty relief for farmers needing to extend finance as a result of the drought. Stamp duty relief only applies to borrowings of additional working capital to fund normal operating costs of the farm enterprise as the consequence of drought, and does not include additional borrowings for capital items such as land, property improvements, vehicles, plant and equipment, investments and farm management deposits. In considering working capital for next year, farmers are encouraged to discuss accessing this support with their bank. More detail and guidelines are available on the Revenue SA website
Back to SA Government programs top
School Card – Dept of Education and Children’s Services
As part of the State Government’s assistance for South Australia’s drought affected farmers, families that live in Exceptional Circumstances areas and who have experienced a change in financial circumstances may be eligible for School Card assistance in 2007.
Eligibility through this special process is dependent upon the combined family gross income for 2006/07 year being predicted to be within the School Card income limits due to:
- A family’s income being directly related to farming activities which have been affected by the drought
- A family’s income being affected due to loss of employment or a reduction in time/ wages related to the drought
Further information can be obtained through:
- Contacting your local school
- Contacting the Department of Education and Children’s Services School Card Section on 1800 672 758 (toll free)
- Online information via the School Card section of the Dept of Education and Children's Services website.
Back to SA Government programs top
Concessions and Remissions
The South Australian Government provides a range of concessions for eligible South Australians. These include:
- Remissions on council rates of up to $190 per year, or up to $285 per year in areas with septic tanks
- Water and sewerage rates remissions of up to $47.50 per quarter (up to $190 per year)
- A remission of up to $40 on the Emergency Services Levy
- Energy concessions of up to $120 per year
- Cheaper travel on public transport.
Eligibility provisions vary for each type of concession. For more information visit the families and communities website.
Back to SA Government programs top
Rural Financial Counselling
The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Program provides primary producers, fishers and small rural businesses with free and impartial support and referral information to help clients to manage the challenges of industry change and adjustment, and improve financial self reliance. Call 1800 836 211 (8am to 5pm) to get in contact with your local counsellor.
Back to SA Government programs top
Drought Link Support Worker
Please get in touch. We want to speak to people before they get worn down by stress to help stop this from happening. The Drought Link Support Worker can provide a range of information resources, and can give advice about local community services in Country South Australia. We can also ask a few key questions to give you a check up on how you are going. So please give the line a call; Drought Link Support Worker - 1800 619 532.
Country Health SA's Drought Link Support Worker is a service provided by the Government of South Australia.
Back to SA Government programs top
Australian Government programs
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website is a good starting point to find drought support programs run by the Australian Government
Apprenticeship Declared Drought Area Incentive
Prolonged drought in a region has a direct effect on the training and employment opportunities of that region. The Declared Drought Area incentive is aimed at offsetting this potential crisis, to encourage primary producers who hold an Exceptional Circumstances Drought Area Certificate to continue to offer skill development and employment opportunities in a declared drought area.
The exceptional circumstances drought declared incentive $1,500 on commencement and $1,500 on completion applies to Certificate II rural, agriculture and horticulture Australian Apprenticeships where the primary producer holds the Exceptional Circumstances Drought Declared Area certificate.
For more information on the full range of support available when employing an apprentice or trainee visit the Australian Apprenticeships website.
Australian Government’s Drought Bus
Over the next 2 months, Drought Buses will be travelling around the worst drought affected areas in rural New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland to let rural communities know about the services the Australian Government is providing. People will be able to speak to someone about the assistance available - an expert who knows about working on the land - from financial counsellors to social workers and everyone in between.
View the schedule to find out where the Drought Buses are headed in South Australia.
Non Government Organisation programs
On 25 May 2007, the Australian Government announced that it would provide an extra $8 million to the CWA to distribute emergency aid grants to fund community based activities and to meet immediate household needs of rural families in drought affected areas. The new funding is in addition to the $4 million already provided, and will be available from 1 July 2007.
Community grants of up to $3000 are available to community groups, schools and not-for-profit organisations to help meet the costs of holding events and providing support to drought affected communities. Examples include community events, excursions or information sessions. Grants can also be used to fund support packs, pamper packs, or to maintain community facilities where there is a wide community benefit.
Individual grants of up to $2000 per household are available to drought affected families in rural areas. This includes farmers, farming dependent contractors, service providers and local rural businesses. The grants are available to help meet essential household expenses and other basic necessities.
For more information and application forms contact the CWA State Head Office on phone 08 8332 4166, contact your local branch or visit the South Australian CWA website
- Page URL: http://outernode.pir.sa.gov.au/pirsa/drought/programs__and__services/drought_programs__and__grants
- Page Last Modified: August 11, 2008