Pilot of drought reform measures in Western Australia
The Australian Government, in partnership with the Western Australian Government, is conducting a pilot of drought reform measures in part of Western Australia.
The pilot will test a package of new measures developed in response to the national review of drought policy. The measures are designed to move from a crisis management approach to risk management. The aim is to better support farmers, their families and rural communities in preparing for future challenges, rather than waiting until they are in crisis to offer assistance.
The pilot will be in place from 30 June 2011 to 30 June 2012. Payments made under one measure - Building Farm Businesses - will continue until 30 June 2014.
Centrelink will be delivering selected pilot measures including:
- Farm Social Support (delivered with other Commonwealth agencies)—support for a better coordinated social support network to meet the mental health, counselling and other social needs of farming families and rural communities
- Farm Family Support—income support for farmers facing financial hardship, allowing them to meet basic household expenses, and
- Farm Exit Support—grants of up to $170,000 to support farmers who decide to sell their farm.
For more information, including what assistance is available and eligibility requirements, visit the Farm Social Support, Farm Family Support and Farm Exit Support pages on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
The pilot's Farm Exit Support program is now fully subscribed and was closed to new applications effective from 29 March 2012.
For general information about the drought pilot, visit the DAFF website or call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 2316.