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

  • South Australian Government
  • Australian Government
  • Non Government Organisations

South Australian Government programs

Irrigators Managing Business Risk

A range of free services are available to irrigators planning to stay in the horticulture industry.

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 Farm Finance Strategy (PDF 47.6 KB) 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.

This information is also available in the Farm financial strategy factsheet (PDF 142.9 KB).

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.

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.

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.

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.