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Getting Your Numbers Ready for EOFY

Across South Australia and the Northern Territory, we’re seeing businesses move from managing the season in front of them to starting to think about year-end decisions.

For some, recent rainfall has created opportunity. For others, ongoing drought, flooding impacts in the NT and pastoral regions of SA, and rising input costs mean the financial picture is still uncertain. What remains consistent is this: having a clear view of your numbers before EOFY puts you in a stronger position to make decisions.

What we’re seeing on the ground

Seasonal conditions continue to vary widely. Parts of SA have seen useful rain and improved feed availability, while others are still managing dry conditions or dealing with the impact of intense rainfall events. In the NT, flooding and access issues are continuing to disrupt operations and cashflow.

At the same time, rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs, along with access challenges in some regions, are placing additional pressure on already tight working capital. With fertiliser prices climbing sharply and delays in key inputs like cattle lick in the NT, these pressures are not only limiting businesses’ ability to capitalise on improved seasonal conditions but also beginning to impact production decisions and livestock management.

Across both primary producers and small businesses, the message is similar: cashflow is tight, and decisions are becoming more complex.

Primary Producers: Looking beyond the season

As EOFY approaches, this is a key time to step back and review how your business is tracking beyond the immediate season.

Some areas we’re discussing with producers include:

• Income averaging and how it may apply under ATO primary producer rules

• Understanding seasonal variability. False starts, delayed breaks or wet season       impacts and compressed growing seasons, and how these flow into planning

• Reviewing livestock valuation methods and how they affect your financial position

• Considering Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) and how they fit into your broader strategy

• Checking eligibility for grants or support payments that may assist cashflow      

These are not just compliance tasks; they help build a clearer picture of where your business sits heading into the next season.

Small Businesses: Staying on top of compliance and costs

For small and family businesses, EOFY is also a time to reset and get on top of key obligations.

We’re seeing increased pressure from:

• Rising fuel costs impacting tourism, freight and customer movement

• Ongoing cost-of-living pressures reducing discretionary spending

• ATO debt and compliance requirements creating additional stress

Key areas to focus on include:

• BAS and GST reconciliation

• Payroll and super obligations

• Reviewing your business structure to ensure it still suits your operation

• Understanding how rising costs are impacting margins and pricing.

Staying on top of these areas early can help avoid unnecessary pressure and give you more control over the year ahead.

EOFY: Keep it practical

EOFY doesn’t need to be overwhelming. The most important step is getting your information up to date and having a clear view of your position.

Some simple actions to focus on:

• Bring your income, expenses and asset records up to date

• Review your debtors and creditors

• Identify any deductions or concessions available

• Complete a stocktake (livestock, produce or inventory)

• Check your super, employment and payroll obligations

• Meet with your accountant before EOFY to review your position

Start the conversation early

One of the biggest positive differences we see is when people act early rather than waiting until pressure builds.

Whether it’s preparing for EOFY, understanding your financial position, or working through next steps, having someone to talk it through with can make a real difference.

If you’d like a practical, confidential conversation about your business, our team is here to help.

Make an appointment with one of our Rural or Small Business Financial Counsellors.

FREECALL 1800 836 211

You’re not the only one

A lot of people think they’re the only ones struggling, but they’re not.

RBS is currently supporting over 800 farming families and small family-owned businesses.

Across South Australia and the Northern Territory, farmers, fishers, growers and small business owners are dealing with complexities they haven’t faced before.

Dry seasons that keep dragging on. Prices that don’t stack up. Costs that keep rising. Pressure from lenders. Fuel that may not be available. Uncertainty that just doesn’t let up.

And every day, people across the regions are reaching out for support.

It might be your neighbour. Your brother. Your parents. Your mate down the road.

You just might not hear about it.

“Our Financial Counsellor was amazing. We always felt that everything would be confidential and her farming background gave her a great understanding of our situation. Not sure where we would have ended up without her help.” – RBS Client

If things are feeling a bit uncertain, tight or just hard to get on top of, you don’t have to do it alone.

There’s no shame in asking for support.

Read the full article here

SA Drought Loan Scheme: Open for applications

Applications for the South Australia Drought Loan Scheme are now open, and our Rural Financial Counsellors can assist with the process.

Loans of up to $250,000 are available with a loan term of up to 10 years.

The Scheme supports drought-affected grain and livestock farmers in South Australia’s Murray Mallee, Riverland and Upper North regions, providing access to urgent financial assistance through low-interest loans.

The Scheme is managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), working with the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) to administer the loans on behalf of the South Australian Government.

If you’re thinking about applying, our Rural Financial Counsellors can help you prepare documentation for an application and support you more broadly with your next steps.

Please contact us to make an appointment:

FREECALL 1800 836 211

[email protected]

www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au

*Applications are open until 31 December 2026.

RIC opens new Drought Hardship Loan

Thinking about applying? The Rural Financial Counsellors at RBS can help you with your Loan Application and map out the next steps.

Please contact us to make an appointment:

FREECALL 1800 836 211

[email protected]

www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au

Support available for NT communities

We’re deeply aware of the Northern Territory communities and clients impacted by recent flooding and cyclone events. Ongoing road closures and access constraints are continuing to disrupt operations, with some properties remaining isolated and recovery efforts often self-managed at significant cost.

Pastoralists are feeling the strain, with mustering delays and some forced to push Round 1 back again following recent rainfall, impacting livestock welfare, movement and cashflow.

Horticulture growers are also under pressure, with prolonged wet conditions delaying plantings, particularly around Humpty Doo, where our team is working closely with producers navigating these challenges.

We understand the ongoing pressure these events place on people, businesses and communities, and that recovery doesn’t happen overnight.

Support is available if you need it.

A lifeline for farmers in crisis

If your mind tells you “it’s too hard” or “they won’t want to hear from me”, that’s normal, but it’s not always true. Try reaching out anyway.

Chances are, it’ll mean just as much to them as it does to you.

Coffee, breakfast and support that comes to you: Bordertown

ATO responds to impacts of high fuel costs

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recognises the impact of high fuel costs and is offering targeted support for 3-months, to eligible businesses which may be unable to meet their payment obligations:

• streamlined access to more flexible payment plan arrangements, including longer payment terms, no upfront payment, and access to general interest charge (GIC) remission where payment and lodgment conditions are met.

• remission of GIC and other penalties: high fuel costs will be a relevant factor in consideration of additional requests for remission.

• support to vary pay as you go (PAYG) instalments where there has been a reduction in taxable income.

Businesses and their tax professionals can now assess their eligibility and notify the ATO of their interest in accessing a tailored payment plan and intention to vary PAYG instalments through the ATO’s online services. The ATO will then contact these businesses or their representatives with more information and next steps.

*Support available until 30 June 2026

Take a few minutes to have your say. Your input helps ensure regional, rural and remote businesses are represented and guides COSBOA’s advocacy on the issues that matter most.

Want to connect with RBS? Our team will be attending the following events:

Top to bottom: Kick Off Ya Boots; Blyth, Small Business Expo; Quorn, NT Cattleman’s Conference; Darwin,

Kick Off Ya Boots; Strathalbyn, NT Cattlemen’s Conference; Darwin, South-East Field Days; Lucindale

Founded in 2006, Rural Business Support (RBS) is an organisation committed to building a profitable, sustainable and resilient rural sector by supporting businesses, farmers, landowners and communities in rural, regional and remote South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Our programs and services are free, independent and confidential for eligible clients.

FREECALL 1800 836 211

[email protected]

www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au