Summary of important changes to RAA funding for drought assistance

The RAA have recently announced changes to the 2020 Drought Package, by committing an additional $310 million in funding towards emergency drought relief. The extended support - along with an increase to the Drought Assistance Fund (DAF) - includes more investment towards subsidies like the Drought Transport subsidy and waiving rates, permit fees, and other costs such as vehicle registration for eligible primary producers. Below are two of the most recent changes to the fund:

• From 1 July 2020, the NSW Government has lifted the cap for the Drought Assistance Fund (DAF) from $50,000 to $100,000 per primary producer.*
• The transport cost for restocking (also applies to transport of  seed for croppers) can now be claimed.**

*the purchase of livestock for re-stocking cannot be included however,

** the transport cost for restocking (also applies to transport of  seed for croppers), can be funded via the Drought Assistance Fund - DAF

More details on the memo will be announced in the coming days. For more details on the  Drought Package or DAF visit the links below: 2020 Drought Package - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub/2020-drought-package Drought Assistance Fund (DAF) - https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/loans/drought-assistance-fund