The Liberal-National Government is standing by farmers, their families and communities in Queensland who continue to struggle with drought conditions.
We recognise this drought is tough, and we have responded with direct and immediate support to help the whole community.
The Drought Community Support Initiative will provide immediate financial assistance of up to $3000 to eligible households experiencing hardship.
This can be used to cover bills such as food, petrol and utilities while helping local businesses with customers through their doors.
We will work with the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society to make sure this money hits the ground quickly and gets to those most in need.
The effects of the drought are not just felt on the farm – regional communities and businesses suffer as people spend less in town. Another 13 councils will be eligible for up to $1 million for local infrastructure and drought-relief projects under the Drought Communities Program Extension.
This will boost local economies, create jobs and engage local businesses and suppliers while providing long-lasting benefit to communities and the rural industries they depend on.
Farm Household Allowance applications have also been simplified. The changes will remove business income reconciliation, change the time limit on payment to four years in every ten, simplify the assets test, and recognise agistment.
The changes will make FHA easier to access and better reflect the nature of farming by acknowledging that farmers may experience more than one period of hardship in their lifetime.
The Coalition government has also injected $740,000 into five Rural Financial Counselling Service providers who are experiencing pressure from increased demand.
The Morrison-McCormack Government continues to build on a drought response worth more than $7 billion, helping farmers, families and communities.
For more information and to apply for assistance visit http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought or call 1800 900 090.
