Latest updates and advice
- Drought Response hotline 1300 489 832 now available for farmers impacted by drought conditions to receive real time assistance and connection to relevant services.
| The Western Australian (WA) Government announced a $8.6 million funding package to support agricultural industries and rural communities impacted by the current drought conditions. Interest-Free LoansApplications are now open for the interest-free loans. Farm businesses can apply for $25,000 to cover the costs of stockfeed, water and transportation. The funds can also be used to establish feed silos, water tanks and improved irrigation systems or any other infrastructure that supports drought resilience. Applications close 30 November 2024 (or when funds are exhausted). Hardship Support GrantsApplications for the $5000 hardship grant are now closed as funding has been fully committed. |
Livestock
- Producers looking for feed - go to Livestock Feed - a collaborative project connecting farmers looking for feed with those selling.
- Livestock management provides information to assist decision-making in challenging seasonal and industry conditions.
- Cattle producers and small landholders in the South West affected by dry season conditions are urged to regularly monitor their herds and take action early to ensure the condition and welfare of animals. See Southern beef - dry season management.
- Pastoralists - refer to Dealing with a dry year in the southern rangelands of WA for information and management resources.
Climate and water
- If you think you are likely to become water deficient within the next 4 weeks, discuss your situation with your Local Government Authority (LGA), or contact the DWER rural water planning team on 1800 780 300, ruralwater@dwer.wa.gov.au or visit DWER’s Rural water planning webpage.
- Where on-farm and strategic community water resources are not available, stock water can be obtained from regional Shire fixed standpipes. Refer to Water Corporation information and standpipe maps for Great Southern and South West.
- The rainfall outlook for June to August is mostly neutral for southern WA. See the Bureau’s seasonal outlook video for details and check monthly updates to the Seasonal Climate Outlook.
- Weather Matters is a video series featuring Bureau of Meteorology WA manager for hazard preparedness and response James Ashley and DPIRD climate research scientist Meredith Guthrie. Viewers can send in questions for Meredith and James by emailing weather-briefing@dpird.wa.gov.au.
Funding and support
Funding and support services information and contacts are available to assist people in rural WA areas.
Seasonal management information
Funding and support services
Support services available to assist rural people in stressful situations can be found on WA's rural support services webpage and directory. These include:
- Regional Men’s Health Initiative
- Rural Aid
- Lifeline
- Beyond Blue
- Rural West financial counselling service.
For resources and information on grants and funding available to assist growers, pastoralists and industry, please refer to the Funding and support information.
Horticulture producers in the Warren-Donnelly region of WA can apply for funding to improve their water security. See the Southern Forests Infrastructure Support Scheme WA.
Contacts
| Region/area | Contact |
| South West & Great Southern | |
| Esperance | |
| Wheatbelt | |
| Gascoyne & Mid West | |
| Water | Richard George |
| Hardship Support Grants & Loans (business hours only) | RuralBusiness.DevelopmentUnit@dpird.wa.gov.au or (08) 9368 3082 |