Support services available to assist primary producers affected by dry seasonal conditions
2019 has been a difficult season for many throughout Western Australia with variable rainfall impacting on production and profitability.
A range of Federal and State assistance measures are in place (see below) to support farmers and pastoralists experiencing hardship, as a result of seasonal pressures.
Western Australia does not have a drought declaration system so no formal declaration needs to be made to access these services.
The Federal Government’s National Drought Policy aims to build resilience to climate variability and dry season pressures, specifically through bolstering risk management practices and enhancing long-term preparedness.
| Support service directory | ||
| Financial support | ||
| A website that harnesses information about Commonwealth and State/Territory assistance (includes Drought Loans, Farm Investment Loans, Farm Household Allowance) |
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| Assists farming families experiencing financial hardship with income to maintain their household | 13 23 16 or 1800 612 004
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| Low interest loans for businesses to improve the strength, resilience and profitability of their businesses (provided by the Regional Investment Corporation) | 1800 875 675
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| Free financial counselling service to assist primary producers | 1800 612 044 | |
| Assists farm and pastoral businesses and financial institutions to resolve disputes about business financial arrangements, through a low cost and non-legal form of mediation | 1800 198 231 | |
| Income support programs for farmers and rural small businesses | 13 23 16
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| Funds for household expenses | 9321 6041 info@cwaofwa.asn.au |
| Water Support | ||
| National On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme | Rebates of 25% up to a maximum of $25,000 for the purchase and installation of new water infrastructure and equipment to eligible commercial livestock farmers and pastoralists | 1800 780 300 |
| Grants of up to $100,000 available for community water supply development and improvements in dryland agricultural areas receiving <600mm average annual rainfall | 1800 780 300 | |
| Network of strategic community water supplies in WA dryland agricultural areas to provide emergency stock water | 1800 780 300 | |
| Emergency water for livestock provided by the State government carted to a central point, coordinated via local shires | 1800 780 300 | |
| Rebates of up to $1000 for commercial broadacre farmers experiencing water shortages to fund an audit of farm water supply and potential improvements | 1800 780 300 | |
| Wellbeing | ||
| 24 hour crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services | 13 11 14 | |
| Counselling for individuals, couples and families experiencing challenges to help them cope, improve wellbeing and identify options | Click here for local counselling services
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| Provides support and education services to regional men, communities and health services | 9690 2277 (office hours) | |
| Provides information and referrals regarding health, finances, legal matters, counselling and domestic crisis | 1800 199 174 | |
| Other information | ||
| Western Australia’s rural health, financial & information services support directory | Contacts for a range of 24 hour support, financial and family counselling, health, emergency and ancillary services |
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If you cannot find the assistance or support you require please contact your local DPIRD office or call (08) 9368 3334 or email enquiries@dpird.wa.gov.au
For more information contact Christine Thompson, senior policy officer, Katanning on +61 (0)8 9821 3223.