Drought Relief Assistance
Emergency Drought Relief Assistance
The NSW Government has announced a $500 million Emergency Drought Relief Package to help farmers manage the effects of the current drought.
Below is a summary of the assistance available and some links to further information.
The three major elements of the $500 million Emergency Drought Relief Package are:
- $190 million for Drought Transport Subsidies;
- $100 million to cut the cost of farming by waiving fees and charges; and,
- $150 million to bolster the Farm Innovation Fund (FIF) infrastructure program.
The package also includes funding for:
- Counselling and mental health;
- Critical services in regional communities including transporting water and drought related road upgrades and repairs; and,
- Animal welfare and stock disposal.
As always, we’re here to help. Do give us a call on 02 6362 1966 if you need help processing your application or understanding the emergency measures available to you.
To stay informed on the most up to date information as it comes to hand, visit the NSW Drought Hub at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub
NSW EMERGENCY DROUGHT TRANSPORT SUBSIDIES
(available from 6 August 2018)
The NSW Government will offer a subsidy of up to $20,000 per eligible farm business for the transporting costs of fodder, water to a property for stock, stock to and from agistment and stock to sale or slaughter.
Some of the criteria for this assistance is:
- Covers 50% of the full cost of transport up to a maximum of $5 per kilometre and 1,500 kilometres per journey. The maximum subsidy per journey would be $3,750
- Subsidy can be back dated to 1 January 2018
The full list of guidelines is available here:
Contact NSW RAA for more information on 1800 678 593 or visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/assistance/emergency-drought-relief
WAIVERS ON GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES
Local Land Services
All LLS Rates for all landholders in 2019 will be waived, including general rates and rates for Animal Health, Pest Animals and Pest Management, the Meat Industry Levy and costs of Routine Stock Moving Permit and Stock Identification.
This waiver will apply automatically – no application required.
Contact Local Land Services for more information on 1300 795 299
Fixed Water Charges in Rural & Regional Areas
The fixed charge component of water licences issued by Water NSW will be waived for licence holders in rural and regional NSW. The water usage fee component will still apply to all water users.
This waiver will apply automatically – no application required.
Contact Water NSW on 1300 662 077 https://www.waternsw.com.au/
Farm Innovation Fund – Waiver of interest charges prior to 30 July 2018
All existing Farm Innovation Fund customers who had submitted applications on or before 30 July 2018 will have applicable interest charges for 2018 and 2019 financial year refund applied and processed automatically.
Contact NSW RAA on 1800 678 593 for more information https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/assistance/emergency-drought-relief
Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle Registration Costs
Class 1 Agricultural vehicles will be exempt from the next annual registration charge.
Contact Service NSW for more information on 13 77 88 https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/news/registration-relief-farmers
OTHER ASSISTANCE AND LOANS
There are many support measures in place by way of Drought Concessional Loans, Farm Management Deposits, Rural Financial Counselling Services and Farm Debt Mediation.
For Farm Innovation Fund, NSW Farm Debt Mediation & availability of loans please Contact NSW RAA for more information on 1800 678 593 or visit NSW RAA
For Rural Financial Counselling Services please go to http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/assistance/rural-financial-counselling-service for help.
Our team at PMW Partners are available to help you navigate what is available to you and with the paperwork requirements to achieve your financial assistance, call us on 02 6362 1966 for more information.