Drought Support
Annabelle Cleeland - Member for Euroa has put together some helpful Information surrounding -Drought Support: What’s Available and How to Access It |
As drought conditions persist across our region, I want to offer some support by sharing resources that may help you navigate these challenges. From available grants and upcoming local events to expert advice and useful contacts, I’ve gathered information that I hope you’ll find helpful. |
| 1. On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants — $5,000 available |
Status: Expressions of Interest are currently open, with a starting date for full applications set to be announced soon. Grant amount: $1,000–$5,000 (ex GST), dollar-for-dollar matched Who can apply:
Eligible projects include:
Key conditions:
How it works:1. Apply and get in-principle approval 2. Purchase items within 3 months3. Pay upfront 4. Submit invoices/receipts5. Get reimbursed by Rural Finance How to apply:
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| 2. Rural Financial Counselling – Free Support Available |
Another option available in our region is the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), which offers free, confidential advice for farmers under financial stress. They can help you:
Phone: 1300 834 775 (Wodonga office)Email: info@agbizassist.org.au |
| 3. Loans, Payments, and Technical Advice |
RIC Farm Loans The Regional Investment Corporation offer a series of farm loans that may be of assistance, ranging from $500k to $2m. Farm Investment Loan Recover from severe business impact and prepare for future financial disruptions. Agristarter Loan Accelerate plans to help secure a first farm business or support succession arrangements. Drought Loan For drought preparedness management and recovery activities. AgBiz Drought Loan Enable farm-related small businesses to manage through, and recover from drought. More information on the loans available at RIC, how to apply, and eligibility requirements can be found online at Our Loans - Regional Investment Corporation
Farm Household Allowance (FHA)FHA is a fortnightly payment for farmers and their partners facing financial hardship. It’s paid through Services Australia at the same rate as JobSeeker or Youth Allowance and is available for up to 4 years (1,460 days) within specific 10-year periods. Payments depend on your income and assets — you can have up to $5.5 million in combined assets. More information on eligibility and how to claim it can be found at: Farm Household Allowance - Services Australia
Feeding Livestock - Agriculture Victoria AgVic are also offering technical advice and information through their Feeding Livestock page. This includes resources for Pasture, Beef, and Sheep - including tools, tables, calculators, links, and feeding books. This can be accessed at Home | Feeding Livestock | Agriculture Victoria |
| 4. Mental Health Support – You're Not Alone |
Drought puts a huge strain not just on the farm, but on you and your family. If you’re doing it tough, please know you are not alone. Local mental health supporter, Ivan Lister, has supported many in our region through hard times and is always available for a confidential chat. Ivan Lister: 0474 501 406 |
| 5. Drought Decision Making Workshops – Euroa and Benalla |
Free events: Practical advice to help make tough farm decisions in dry times. Topics covered:
Euroa Friday, 13 June 202511am–2pm (includes morning tea & lunch)Euroa Football Club Rooms, 2 Dunn St, Euroa Benalla Thursday, 19 June 2025 11am-2pm (includes morning tea & lunch) Redgum Room, Benalla Lakeside Community Centre More information on both events, and other fantastic initiatives by the Gecko CLaN, can be found at Home - Gecko CLaN
RSVP: Kerri Robson – 0418 140 710 | kerri@geckoclan.com.au |
| 6. Fighting for Interest-Free Farm Loans |
I am backing calls from my federal colleagues to reinstate interest-free Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) loans.
Farmers urgently need meaningful support — not token payments. I’ll keep fighting to get real help back on the table. |
| 7. Quick Contacts List |
As always, my office is here to help anytime.
Warm regards,Annabelle Cleeland MPMember for Euroa |