Support for Our Community

Navigating Dry Seasons and Financial Hardship

Farming can be incredibly rewarding but also challenging — especially during dry seasons or times of financial stress. These dry times are tough — putting real pressure on families, local businesses, and our entire community.

To support those doing it tough across the District Council of Karoonda East Murray region, we’ve compiled a helpful list of programs, resources, and support services available to guide you through.

Postponement of Rates

Council acknowledges the severe impacts recent weather events (including low rain fail, drought, frost) have had on many of our district's primary producers.

As such, Council has reviewed its financial hardship provisions to assist eligible ratepayers through:

Postponement / deferral of rates for up to 12 months without interest penalties.
Interest-free payment agreements.

If your property has been affected by the current conditions, you may be eligible to apply for either of these assistance provision. Applications will be assessed sensitively, and all applicants will be informed in writing of the outcome.

For further information please see Council’s Debt Recovery & Financial Hardship Policy, or for a confidential discussion please contact the Chief Executive Officer on 8578 1004 or via ceo@dckem.sa.gov.au.

Click here to download an application form.

Dry Season and Drought Support

Dry conditions can have a profound impact on farming operations. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) offers a wide range of resources, including:

Managing Drought
Funding & Support
Caring for livestock in heatwaves
Assistance guides for primary producers

Visit Drought Preparation and Resiliance - PIRSA to access these resources and find out how they can assist you.

Applications Open – South Australian Drought Loan Scheme

Applications are now open for the South Australian Drought Loan Scheme, delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA). The Scheme provides drought‑affected grain and livestock farmers in South Australia’s Murray Mallee, Riverland and Upper North regions with access to low‑interest loans to support business recovery and cash flow.

Eligible primary producers can apply for loans of up to $250,000, with a loan term of up to 10 years. To assist recovery, no repayments are required for the first two years, with interest accrued and added to the loan balance during this period. Loans are for working capital only and cannot be used to refinance existing debt.

The Scheme is administered by PIRSA in partnership with the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) on behalf of the South Australian Government. Applications are open until 31 December 2026.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the South Australian Drought Loan Scheme website.

Farm Household Allowance (FHA)

The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) program is designed to support commercial-scale farmers and their partners facing financial difficulties, regardless of the cause.

What’s Included:

Up to 4 years of fortnightly income support (over a 10-year period)
Ancillary allowances such as Pharmaceutical Allowance, Telephone Allowance, Rent Assistance, Remote Area Allowance, and a Health Care Card
A professional financial assessment of the farm business (valued at up to $1,500)
Funding for skill development, training, or professional advice (up to $10,000 per person)
Tailored support from a case manager

Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for FHA, applicants must:

Be a farmer, aged 16 or older, and an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Have a significant commercial farming enterprise in Australia
Meet income and asset requirements (assessed on a case-by-case basis)

For a detailed explanation of the eligibility criteria, refer to the FHA Factsheets below.

How to Apply:
FHA applications are managed by Services Australia. While the application process can be rigorous, many farmers have found the program to be life-changing.

For assistance, contact the Farmer Assistance Hotline at 132 316 (8 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday).

Helpful FHA Factsheets & Links:

Rural Business Support

Rural Business Support’s Rural Financial Counsellors (RFCs) provide free, independent, and confidential support to help clarify your financial position and plan your next steps.

RFCs provide personalised counselling, tailored to the needs of your farm business. They can meet with you, at a time and place that suits you—right at your kitchen table over a cuppa.

RFCs support you to:

understand your financial position
navigate financial issues
consider long and short term implications of market changes
identify options for your business
develop plans to manage cash flow and creditor payments
access dispute resolution services
consider succession pathways
seek broader professional advice and support
access government and community grants and programs, including FHA, RIC loans and RBS Relief Fund.

Don’t wait until it’s too late!

FREECALL 1800 836 211 to secure your financial future by working with a RFC.

www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au

PIRSA On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants

The South Australian Government is offering a rebate of up to 75% (maximum of $5,000) for eligible on-farm projects aimed at improving drought preparedness.

This includes upgrades to water infrastructure, fodder storage, stock containment feeding, fencing to reduce grazing pressure, grain storage, soil moisture monitoring, and weather stations.

For more details on drought preparation, resilience, and support, please visit the PIRSA website.
https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/emergencies_and_recovery/drought

Facebook page: Department of Primary Industries and Regions

Whether you need financial assistance, resources to manage your land during drought, or help building resilience for the future, these programs are here to support you and your family.

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