Drought Support Package

The State Government is investing $73 million to support farmers affected by drought in SA. The Drought Support Package has been designed in direct consultation with primary producers, including roundtables with farmers and key industry bodies. Support programs available from the Government of South Australia are listed below. You can find more information on the PIRSA website.

Active Club Program – Regional Drought Relief Round
Sporting clubs in regional areas affected by drought can apply for up to $5,000 for their communities to stay active.

Connecting Communities Events Grant
Funding for gatherings that encourage communities to come together, share experiences, and reinforce the unity and strength of rural areas.

Donated Fodder Transport Scheme
A scheme contributing to the freight cost of charitable organisations that are delivering fodder to primary producers.

Drought Mental Health Support
This program delivered by SA Health will focus on supporting individuals and strengthening families and communities, reinforcing the community connections that are vital to positive mental health and wellbeing and resilience.

Drought support vehicle registration rebate
Drought-affected farmers can apply for a rebate on the registration of up to three commercial vehicles registered in their or their company’s name.

Electronic identification (eID) for sheep and farmed goats
A further $4.5 million has been allocated to support producers with the implementation of eID tags.

Emergency bulk water collection points
$1.1 million has been allocated to provide temporary bulk water collection points for critical water needs in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu.

Emergency Services Levy Rebate
Primary producers receiving the Commonwealth Farm Household Allowance can apply for the 2025–26 Emergency Services Levy Rebate.

Family and Business Mentors (FaBs)
PIRSA FaB Mentors are available to help primary producers navigate challenging times. This is a free service in South Australia.

Feral Deer Eradication Program
A program to eliminate the impacts feral deer have on primary industries, the environment, and public safety.

Feral rabbit control
A program to reduce wild rabbit populations that graze on vegetation, crops, and pastures.

Future Drought Fund preparedness and resilience programs
Additional funding has been allocated to preparedness and resilience programs.

Imported fodder inspection fees waived
Drought-impacted South Australian farmers will not have to pay the $167 hourly fee for inspections of incoming fodder.

On-farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme
Funding for infrastructure projects that assist with managing current drought conditions and strengthen preparedness for future droughts.

Publicly Accessible Standpipe Upgrade Fund
Funding for councils to support upgrades of publicly accessible standpipes in regional areas.

Reducing grazing pressure through kangaroo management
A program to reduce high kangaroo numbers that severely impact crops, pastures, and native vegetation.

Regional Event Fund – Drought Relief
Encouraging new events and supporting the growth of existing events to provide economic stimulus to drought-affected regional communities.

Rural Financial Counselling Support
Additional funding to support drought-affected primary producers through the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

Rural Support Grant
Grants of up to $1,500 for eligible primary producers and rural small business owners experiencing significant financial hardship.

Small business support
Financial counselling support and small business fundamentals programs. Information available soon.

Technical advisory telephone service
Free technical advice on livestock management, agronomy, and soil management.