Financial support for drought

The Commonwealth and NSW Government provide a range of financial support for drought-affected farmers including:

Rural Assistance Authority

The Rural Assistance Authority administers financial assistance programs including loans to primary producers on behalf of both the NSW and Australian Governments.

Drought Relief Loan up to $100,000 can help farmers not only recover from drought but also strengthen long‑term sustainability.

Natural Disaster Relief Loans for Primary Producers up to $130,000 directly affected by a declared natural disaster may be eligible for a low interest loan to support recovery.

Drought Ready and Resilient Fund Loan, up to $500,000 low interest loan for eligible farmers to help prepare for, manage and recover from drought.

Future Drought Fund

The NSW Government Future Drought Fund helps farmers and rural communities prepare for drought. It includes subsidised training and coaching, innovation for drought resilience, information about the projected impacts of climate change on different commodities, and low-cost drought loans.

RIC Drought Loan and AgBiz Drought Loan

RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is a national low-interest loan specialist funded by the Australian Government for farm and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage and recover from drought. Loans include and AgBiz and Drought Loan

Service NSW support

Drought-specific rebates and support through Service NSW's Savings Finder page.

Disaster Assist

Disaster Assist when their Local Government Area has been declared a natural disaster, people may be able to apply for a one-off or short-term income support disaster recovery payments.