Archived August 2018 post. The programs and contacts below were current in 2018 – always check Service NSW and the NSW Rural Assistance Authority for current drought support.
The NSW Government announced a $500 million Emergency Drought Relief Package to help farmers manage the effects of the drought. The three major elements were $190 million for drought transport subsidies, $100 million to cut the cost of farming by waiving fees and charges, and $150 million to bolster the Farm Innovation Fund infrastructure program. The package also funded counselling and mental health, critical services in regional communities, and animal welfare and stock disposal.
Emergency drought transport subsidies
Available from 6 August 2018, the subsidy offered up to $20,000 per eligible farm business towards transporting fodder, water for stock, stock to and from agistment, and stock to sale or slaughter. It covered 50% of the full cost of transport up to a maximum of $5 per kilometre and 1,500 kilometres per journey (a maximum $3,750 per journey), and could be backdated to 1 January 2018.
Waivers on government fees and charges
Local Land Services rates for all landholders in 2019 were waived automatically, including general rates, animal health, pest animal and pest management rates, the meat industry levy and stock permit costs. The fixed-charge component of Water NSW licences was waived for rural and regional licence holders (usage fees still applied). Existing Farm Innovation Fund customers who applied on or before 30 July 2018 had applicable interest charges for 2018 and 2019 refunded automatically. Class 1 agricultural vehicles were exempt from their next annual registration charge.
Other assistance and loans
Further support was available through drought concessional loans, farm management deposits, rural financial counselling services and farm debt mediation. Our team is available to help you understand what’s available and with the paperwork required to access assistance.