Rural Business Support (RBS) has welcomed the announcement of a $55 million support package from the South Australian Government to assist drought-affected farmers, rural small businesses and communities across the state.
The package includes targeted funding for the Rural Financial Counselling Service, the implementation of Small Business Financial Counselling for main street small businesses, funding for charities transporting fodder and rebates for the emergency services levy and vehicle registrations – all measures that will help take the pressure off families doing it tough in rural, regional and remote SA.
In addition, the South Australian Government has launched a targeted rural support grant to assist rural and regional communities experiencing financial strain.
Delivered via the RBS Relief Fund, SA Government Rural Support Grants provide up to $1,500 in financial assistance to eligible South Australian farmers and rural small business owners.
The grant is designed to help primary producers, rural-related enterprises, and regional small businesses cover essential household expenses and bill relief during times of financial distress.
RBS chief executive Brett Smith said the funding acknowledges the serious impact the ongoing dry conditions are having across the state.
“This additional support is a direct result of listening carefully to farmers and industry leaders who’ve shared, sometimes with great vulnerability, how deeply these dry conditions are impacting them, their families, and their communities,” Mr Smith said.
“Through the drought roundtables and our work on the Drought Advisory Group alongside respected voices from AUSVEG SA, GPSA, Livestock SA, PPSA, the SA Produce Market, WGCSA and others, we’ve been able to bring those lived experiences into focus.
“We’re grateful to the State Government for responding with compassion.
“By providing additional rural and small business financial counsellors together with grants to be distributed through the RBS Relief Fund, we aim to give families the breathing space they need to regroup because we know recovery starts with hope, and practical relief is the first step.”
RBS encourages farmers and small business owners in drought-affected areas to reach out for free, confidential, and independent support.
Rural and Small Business Financial Counselling teams provide practical, one-on-one guidance to help you:
- Understand your current financial position and identify options for managing cash flow
- Explore strategies to arrest and reduce debt
- Plan for the future with sustainable business goals and decision-making support
- Access the $1,500 Rural Support Grant to help with essential living costs like groceries, utilities, and medical bills
- Navigate applications for the Farm Household Allowance and Regional Investment Corporation loans – it’s important that you don’t self-assess your asset test
- Connect with other relevant grants and support services to relieve pressure and support longer-term recovery
RBS can support producers and businesses through the tough times and help set them up for a stronger future.
