DROUGHT STATUS UPDATE
The Department of Primary Industries drought maps are prepared from information provided by the 14 Livestock Health and Pest Authorities from around the state, and rainfall details from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Drought classification of an area takes into account a review of historic rainfall records for the area, pasture availability, climatic events such as frosts, and seasonal factors such as pasture growing seasons.
Drought affected areas can be either exceptional circumstances (EC) or prima facie declared.
All farmers in EC declared areas are eligible to apply for the full range of drought assistance, including income support payments and interest rate subsidies. Farmers in prima facie areas can apply for up to six months of interim income support.
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES (EC)
- Exceptional Circumstances assistance (Interest Rate Subsidy)
Financial assistance to eligible producers and small business in declared Exceptional Circumstances areas.
- Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment forms - assistance for farmers living in 'exceptional circumstances' affected areas who are having difficulty meeting family and personal living expenses. ff.glt
The EC Handbook provides a broad overview of the information required in EC applications, which are submitted by State and Territory Governments, and the process used by the Australian Government to assess the applications.
The handbook explains the roles of the Australian, State and Territory Governments, the National Rural Advisory Council and local communities in the application and assessment processes.
It also provides a summary of the benefits available to producers and agriculture-dependent small businesses in EC-declared areas
Regional Office Contact Details
RFCS-CW Regional Office
ABN: 54 606 039 416
First Floor, Suite 1, 62
Wingewarra St,
DUBBO NSW 2830
Telephone: 02 6884 2275
Fax: 02 6884 4926
Email: dubbo@rfcs-cw.com.au
