The Council of RDCs and the RDC community have prepared the following support information for the agricultural sector during the drought. Be assured that, apart from these current initiatives, the RDCs continue to invest in long term drought mitigation research and development.
However, we appreciate that you might need help now and that is why we are providing this package of information. It includes sections on farmer health, financial assistance and drought management.
If you are unsure about where to look for support or assistance please email the Council at feedback@crrdc.com.au and we will respond within 24 hours.
Farmer health
Your health is of prime importance and assistance can be found through the following:
- Lifeline Australia (13 11 14 and www.lifeline.org.au)
- Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636 and www.beyondblue.org.au)
- Aussie Helpers (0488 807 266, TXT service)
- www.therippleeffect.com.au
In addition, Rural Aid was founded in 2015 to provide a central point of focus for rural communities who require assistance. They operate nationally and there is more information at:
Financial assistance
There is a range of support services at both federal and state/territory levels. The links are:
Centrelink – farm household allowance
www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/farm-household-allowance
Drought loans through the Regional Investment Corporation
www.ric.gov.au/farmers/drought New South Wales
New South Wales
Rural Assistance Authority (NSW RAA)
www.raa.nsw.gov.au – 1800 678 593 – rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au
Rural Financial Counselling Service
www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/assistance/rural-financial-counselling-service/nsw
Victoria
Rural Finance
www.ruralfinance.com.au – 1800 260 425
Rural Financial Counselling Service
www.ruralfinancialcounselling.org.au
Western Australia
Rural Business Development Corporation (RBDC)
www.agric.wa.gov.au/rural-business-development-corporation – 1800 198 231 – rbdu@agric.wa.gov.au
Rural Financial Counselling Service
Queensland
Rural and Industry Development Authority
www.qrida.qld.gov.au – 1800 623 946 – contact_us@qrida.qld.gov.au
Rural Financial Counselling Service
South Australia
Rural Financial Counselling Service
www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/assistance/rural-financial-counselling-service/sa-nt – 1800 836 211
Primary Industries and Regions South Australia
www.pir.sa.gov.au/primary_industry/industry_support/farm_support
Tasmania
State Growth
www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au – 1800 030 688 – info@stategrowth.tas.gov.au
Rural Financial Counselling Service
www.ruralbusinesstasmania.org.au/Financial-Counseling-Services
Drought management
A number of the RDCs have specific drought advice and these are listed, with links below:
Australian Wool Innovation has a range of drought planning, management and recovery resources available for woolgrowers going into, enduring and recovering from drought.
Meat and Livestock Australia provides below a comprehensive link to drought and support services from a national and state/territories perspective.
With even more information at:
www.futurebeef.com.au/knowledge-centre/drought/
Dairy Australia has comprehensive Feed Shortage campaign resources in direct response to the current situation:
www.dairyaustralia.com.au/feedshortage
If you are unsure of who to contact then send an email to feedback@crrdc.com.au and we will respond within 24 hours.