New Queensland drought assistance

New drought assistance focuses on greater preparedness and business planning to manage the ever-present risk of drought in Queensland.

Drought Assistance Program

Eligible primary producers across all agriculture industries can apply for the new drought preparedness assistance, without needing a drought declaration.

  • Farm Business Resilience Plan

    The key to being ready for the next drought is effective planning.

    The Australian and Queensland Governments can help you develop a Farm Business Resilience Plan.

    You will need a Farm Business Resilience Plan or similar to apply for the Queensland Government’s drought assistance grants and loans.

    Find out more

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  • Drought preparedness grants and loans

    Grants and loans include:

    • Drought Preparedness Grants of up to $50,000 for on-farm capital improvements identified in a Farm Business Resilience Plan that improve drought resilience
      Find out more
    • Drought Ready and Recovery Finance loans of up to $250,000 for preparedness measures consistent with the producer’s Farm Business Resilience Plan.
      (coming from early 2022)

  • In-drought assistance

    Drought-declared primary producers can access:

    • interest-free Emergency Drought Assistance Loans of up to $50,000
      (coming from early 2022)
    • Drought Carry-On Finance Loans of up to $250,000 at a concessional interest rate will be available where the $50,000 from the Emergency Drought Assistance Loans Scheme is insufficient to manage drought conditions
      (coming from early 2022)
    • land rent rebates, water licence waivers and the Drought Relief from Electricity Charges Scheme.
      Find out more

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  • Drought recovery loan

    Drought Ready and Recovery Finance loans of up to $250,000 can be used for drought recovery activities such as restocking and replanting.
    (coming from early 2022)