Drought Assistance

Dry periods are a natural part of life in Australia, particularly in the marginal areas away from the coast and ranges. Lying directly under the subtropical belt of high pressure, much of Australia experiences low, but highly variable, rainfall, and years with well below normal rain are to be expected. But when years pass when dry conditions are not relieved by equally wet periods, or when a shorter term dry is truly exceptional, we commonly call it drought.

For further information, please visit the Bureau of Meterology.

Australian Government Drought Assistance

The Australian Government is committed to "lending practical support to drought affected farmers and rural communities through employment services, free personal and financial counselling, income support and interest rate relief." The official Australian Government Drought Assistance website contains information on areas eligible for full Exceptional Circumstances assistance and interim assistance.

Information on Exceptional Circumstances, drought policy and State and Territory governments drought information is available, as well as many other useful links.