Natural disaster assistance is available to help communities and individuals affected by a declared natural disaster with immediate clean-up and recovery costs.
How do I apply?
The quickest way to apply is online. For detailed information and to submit your application, visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au. For further assistance contact the RAA 1800 678 593 or email rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au.
Primary Producers affected by the NSW bushfires can now apply for the following disaster assistance to help with immediate needs which can be used for everything from fodder and water, sheds, fencing and agricultural equipment:
- Special Disaster Grant - Bushfires, of up to $75,000
- Disaster Relief Loans - low interest loans, of up to $130,000
- Natural Disaster Transport subsidy, of up to $15,000 per financial year.
The Farm Innovation Fund is part of the NSW Government's Drought Strategy and is a long term, low interest rate loan for NSW farmers for permanent on-farm infrastructure. The Farm Innovation Fund helps farmers to:
- improve farm productivity - reduce risks and improve efficiencies by building fodder and grain storage facilities, sheds, fencing, roadworks and solar power conversions.
- manage adverse seasonal conditions - improve water efficiencies with irrigation systems, cap and piping of bores, new dams, install water tanks and desilting of ground tanks.
- ensure long term sustainability - increase the viability of a farm business and improve pasture and soil health, plant trees for shade and wildlife corridors, eradicate weeds, flood proof property and fence river banks.
Drought Assistance Fund
The NSW Government is offering $50,000 interest-free loans to primary producers to implement systems and management practices that enhance the sustainability of their farm business. The loan term is seven years and there are no repayments required in the first two years.
