Drought support and resilience
Drought is a recurring feature of the Australian landscape – a cycle in which we are either preparing for drought, in drought, or recovering from drought.
Find resources and support to help you manage farm business, livestock, crops, and soil, as well as develop community resilience.
Funding and other assistance available to help those impacted by drought.
Get advice for farm management in dry conditions, including feeding livestock and maintaining your land.
Find out about the Future Drought Fund and the programs coordinated by PIRSA.
Find out about the roles of the Australian and State Governments in managing drought.
You can reduce risks for sheep, cattle, and poultry before a heatwave hits. Follow our daily routine to keep them safe in the heat.
Find one of the many organisations providing free mental health support and wellbeing advice, anytime you need help.
In line with the National Drought Agreement, Australian, state and territory governments do not make formal drought declarations – see Drought statement from the Minister.
It is agreed that drought, disaster and rural support should be provided based on need – providing a simpler, fairer and more proactive approach.
This means that drought no longer needs to be declared in a region for farmers to be eligible for assistance. Farmers can take action for themselves when they need it.
Mr Alex Zimmermann has been appointed Commissioner for Drought Support.
Formerly a Chief Inspector with SA Police, Mr Zimmermann has served in many diverse postings including as Officer in Charge of a Regional Local Service Area and the State Community Engagement Section. Mr Zimmermann has also worked as the Recovery Coordinator for the Pinery Fires, Northern Adelaide Plains Floods and Adelaide Hills bushfires as well as more recently being appointed Community Recovery Coordinator for the River Murray Flood.
Having also been Deputy Chair of Regional Development Australia (Barossa), Mr Zimmermann is uniquely placed to understand the issues of regional communities and the impacts of adverse events.
As Commissioner for Drought Support, Mr Zimmermann will be assisting to manage the drought response, including monitoring the progress of drought support and addressing issues or barriers.
Phone: 0473 216 732 Email: alex.zimmermann@sa.gov.auDrought support package
The State Government is investing $73 million to support farmers affected by drought in SA.
The package has been designed in direct consultation with primary producers, including a roundtable with farmers and key industry bodies.
New assistance measures in the package include:
- A further $13 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants for rebates that assist with projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness
- An additional $4 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock
- Immediate financial relief by providing rebates for Emergency Services Levy and commercial vehicle registration fees for primary producers receiving the Commonwealth’s Farm Household Allowance
- $2.5 million for an immediate and comprehensive strategy to boost mental health and resilience in drought affected areas
- $1 million for Rural Financial Counselling Support
- $3.5 million in additional supports for rural small businesses
- $3.1 million to assist with culling pests and manage kangaroo populations
- $4.5 million to support producers with the implementation of electronic identification (eID) for sheep and farmed goats
- $1.4 million to co-invest with councils in the upgrade of regional standpipes
- $1.1 million to support the provision of standpipes for critical water needs in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu
- $500,000 to make bulk water available from Bundaleer and Beetaloo Reservoirs
- $2 million to assist sport and recreation clubs in drought affected areas through the Active Club Program
- $400,000 to develop and encourage new regional events in drought affected areas through the Regional Event Fund
- $250,000 to provide financial support for country students affected by drought to attend camps and excursions
- A further $250,000 for grants of up to $5,000 for the Connecting Communities Events Program, for groups to host events that foster social connections and provide support;
- $17.4 million for Future Drought Fund Preparedness and Resilience programs.
These measures build upon the $18 million in support measures outlined in November 2024, which included an initial round of On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants, donated fodder transport assistance, health and wellbeing support, grants for the Connecting Communities Events Program, mentoring and counselling.
PIRSA Recovery Hotline
If you are living with drought or affected by emergency events, our experienced staff are dedicated to helping with funding applications, discussing your situation, and finding the support you need.