Ausi Blog

Drought Assistance

October 22nd, 2007

The Australian Government has announced changes to drought assistance that mean more farmers and small businesses in more areas will now be eligible for drought support.

The new announcements include the following-

• The off-farm income exemption has doubled to $20,000
• The off-farm assets limit for interest rate subsidies has increased to $750,000
• All small businesses reliant on farmers in towns with less than 10,000 people are now eligible to apply for drought assistance
• Agriculture-dependant small businesses in larger population centres remain eligible
• There will be more counsellors and an additional $4.5 million for a relief program to provide emergency assistance for communities dealing with the effects of prolonged drought
• Drought assistance has been extended until September 2008 for many areas and interim assistance is now available to a number of new areas
• Farmers who have decided to leave the land may be able to access re-establishment support of up to $170,000. This includes up to $20,000 for retraining and relocation expenses.

For a list of these financial, personal and business assistance measures provided by the Australian Government and other organisations visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

A drought assistance communication campaign has been undertaken to inform farmers, small businesses and rural communities of the changes to drought assistance. The communication campaign includes two print advertisements one for farmers and one for small businesses. There are also a number of radio advertisements that provide information about drought assistance.

Entry Filed under: Australia Blog