Tools for Managing Drought and Drought Relief Funding

Drought is a recurring feature of the Australian landscape – a cycle in which we are either preparing for drought, in drought, or recovering from drought.
The following PIRSA resources and support are designed to help you manage farm business, livestock, crops, and soil, as well as develop community resilience.

PIRSA Drought Support Packages

There are several drought support packages available. To keep up to date with new drought packages that become available, sign up to the PIRSA Drought Support News here.

Current packages include but are not limited to, the following:

Donated Fodder Transport Scheme

The SA Donated Fodder Transport Drought Assistance Scheme contributes to the freight cost of charitable organisations that are delivering fodder to primary producers to help them feed livestock in drought-impacted areas of the state.

Emergency Services Levy Rebate

A rebate of the 2025-26 emergency services levy is available to drought affected farmers who are receiving the Commonwealth Government’s Farm Household Allowance (FHA).

Drought total grazing pressure project - feral rabbit control

Funding is available to assist with the costs associated with warren ripping, baiting and calici virus if applicable.

Reducing grazing pressure through kangaroo management

South Australian professional field harvesters (kangaroo cullers) who are registered with PIRSA and DEW can access financial incentives.

Active Club Programs

Providing funding support to sport and active recreation regional clubs impacted by drought, to strengthen the programs and services they offer. Clubs can apply for up to $5,000, to continue delivering accessible and affordable opportunities for their communities to stay active.

Family and Business Mentors (FaB Mentors)

PIRSA's Family and Business (FaB) Mentors are available to help primary producers navigate challenging times. This is a free service in South Australia, identifying assistance specific to your situation.

For a list of Mentors in your region, download the FaB Mentor flyer.

Funding Support

Additional funding has been allocated to the Drought Infrastructure Rebate scheme as part of the Drought Support Package.On-farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme - Tier 1, Tier 2 funding, maximum funding access across both tiers is $20,000 (ex GST).

Key dates

Applications will close on 31 January 2026.
Grant funding is only available for eligible items paid for on or after 26 November 2024.
Applicants who applied for Tier 1 funding on or before 17 April 2025 can apply for additional funding under Tier 2.
From 17 April 2025 applicants may seek prepayment for eligible activities before the costs are incurred.
For more information and to apply head here.

Business Support
Call Rural Business Support phone 1800 836 211 for assistance with

Strategic Review and comprehensive action plan for your business including a bank review
Reviewing cash flow and existing loan facilities
Assisting in preparing applications for government assistance programs/schemes

Applying for RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) Drought Loans to help eligible farm businesses continue to manage through drought conditions, recover once the season breaks and prepare for future droughts. RIC Drought Loans are available for

refinancing (restructuring existing debt)
accessing new debt for operating expenses and capital expenditure
More info: phone 1800 875 675.
Head to RIC Drought Loans