There are a number of financial assistance and support programs available for farmers and small rural businesses experiencing financial hardship. We encourage you to seek assistance from our rural financial counsellors for information on eligibility and application requirements.
 

Climate Change

Climate ChangeAdjustment Program (CCAP)
The CCAP assists eligible farmers to adjust and manage the impacts of climate change on their businesses.  It also provides support to improve their personal circumstances, either in or outside of the agriculture sector.

An advice and training grant of up to $5,500 is available to carry out eligible strategies and actions which are identified in a CCAP Action Plan. The CCAP Action Plan contains strategies and actions identified by farmers with the assistance of Rural Financial Counsellors in managing potential risks and monitoring changes in the agricultural industry that are associated with a changing climate.
 

Transitional Income Support (TIS)

TIS assists farming families who are in serious financial difficulty. It is not a like-for-like replacement for Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payments but does provide short-term income support to farmers and assists them in recovering from drought and other financial pressures. There are possibly many farmers who should now consider making an application for this support since the program has been extended beyond 30 June 2011.

The TIS program provides farmers access of up to 12 months fortnightly income support paid at the same rate as the Newstart allowance.

For more information on climate change programs visit:
•    Centrelink
•    DAFF
 

Exceptional Circumstances (EC) - Expired

Exceptional Circumstances (EC) - Drought Assistance expired at the end of March 2011 in the Goulburn Murray Hume service area.

Speak to one of our Rural Financial Counsellors to find out what other programs or financial assistance you may be eligible for. 


Other Assistance

There are a range of other grants and assistance programs available for eligible farmers and small rural businesses including:

  • Floods & natural disasters
  • First Farm Grant
  • Rural Finance Scholarships
  • Farm Management Deposits
  • Active Floodplain Restoration Project
Our Rural Financial Counsellors can advise you on all the latest financial assistance packages and will work with you to determine your eligibility and how to go about accessing this funding.

For more information on other financial assistance programs visit:
•    Rural Finance Coorporation (Vic)
•    Rural Assistance Authority NSW

Other non-financial support or assistance may be available with counselling, social work or community services. We can connect you with many organisations that can assist with both business and personal issues. Talk to one of our rural financial counsellors for more information on what other assistance may be available to you.