19 December 2019

Drought Assistance – Primary Producers

With more than 67% of Queensland drought declared we are in one of the worst droughts in living memory. To help in these difficult times we have prepared a brief summary of the current support currently being offered to Primary Producers.


Department of Agriculture and Fisheries – Drought assistance programs:
The Drought Relief Assistance Scheme is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DRAS). They provide freight subsidies for the transport of fodder, water and livestock; and the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate (EWIR).
For more information and access the guidelines and application forms “click here


Rural aid Australia:
Rural Aid offers QLD primary producers in drought-affected areas a one-off $1,500 towards bill payment.
For more information and access the guidelines and application forms “click here


Australian Federal Government – Drought community support :
The second round of the Drought Community Support Initiative (DCSI) is now open. The program, funded by the Commonwealth Government, can be accessed through the St Vincent de Paul Society or The Salvation Army. Farmers, farm workers or farm suppliers / contractors doing it tough during the drought may be entitled to receive a one-off payment of $3,000.
For more information “click here


Farm Household Allowance
(FHA) provides assistance to farming families experiencing financial hardship. The program focuses on helping farmers make important decisions to improve their long-term financial situation.

There a four key support elements to the program:

  • a fortnightly payment and supplementary allowances such as rent assistance, telephone and pharmaceutical allowances and a Health Care Card
  • individual case support with a Farm Household Case Officer (FHCO) and a Rural Financial Counsellor (RFC)
  • a financial assessment of the farm enterprise up to $1500
  • a $4000 activity supplement that gives farmers an opportunity to develop skills, access training and pay for advice to better manage their business into the future.

Additionally there is a further supplement available which will be delivered in one or two FHA supplement lump sum payments. There is $7200 for single farmers and $12,000 for farming couples per household.
For more information “click here


Department of Agriculture and Fisheries – Dam Desilting Rebate:
The Dam Desilting Rebate provides a rebate of up to 25% cost of a private contractor to desilt your dam on your drought-declared property up to a maximum of amount of $25,000 per Property Identification Code, per financial year. Your dam must be primarily used for livestock.
For more information and access the guidelines and application forms “click here


Drought Angels:
Drought Angels assist farming families affected by natural disasters Australia-wide. Support consists of stock feed, financial support via pre-paid visas and local produce vouchers, moral support and referrals to other assistance as needed for drought, fire and flood.
For more information and access the guidelines and application forms “click here


QCWA Public Rural Crisis Fund:
QCWA Public Rural Crisis Fund supports families suffering from any crisis including drought, fire or flood.
For more information and access the guidelines and application forms “click here


Aussie Helpers Family Support:
Aussie Helpers Family Support distribute hampers containing food for Christmas, toys, stock feed, visa cards and other items for families in need.
For more information email admin@aussiehelpers or phone 1300 665 232

We are here to help at Evans & Hearn Accountants, if you need assistance please do not hesitate to contact us on 0749276888 or drop in to see us at 206 Quay Street, Rockhampton.

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