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Drought

The declaration of Exceptional Circumstance (EC) Drought for Tasmania ceased on 30 April 2010.

The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke has advised the State Government that following a review in January 2010 of the two EC declared areas in Tasmania by the National Rural Advisory Council, he had accepted their recommendation that seasonal agronomic conditions had improved for the majority of producers in these areas. Therefore, assistance measures provided under the EC program would cease on 30 April, 2010.

FarmPoint contains material from Australian and State Departments Government agencies, research institutions and other bodies that may be relevant to Tasmanian farmers. The information provided is not an exhaustive listing of drought management information. It is, however, a selection of drought information from various agencies supporting farmers in the southern half of Australia.

The information on this website is provided for assistance in planning and management of extremely low rainfall situations. As some material has specific applications it is recommended you seek professional advice before acting on any material you are unfamiliar with.

The declaration of Exceptional Circumstance (EC) Drought for Tasmania ceased on 30 April 2010. Contact DPIPWE by calling 1300 368 550 or email farmpoint.enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au


Counselling services

Information on state and national counselling and financial counselling services available to Tasmanian farmers.

Drought financial assistance

There are a number of programs offering assistance to farmers in drought declared regions.

Managing crops and pastures in drought

Managing pastures and crops in drought presents many challenges for farmers.

Managing livestock in drought

Drought brings many challenges for managing livestock. This page contains relevant information from both Tasmania and Australia that may be of assistance.

Tasmanian drought information

Information specific to Tasmanian farmers on the Tasmanian drought situation.

CWA and the Drought

On 1 December 2006 the Federal Government gave the CWA $2 million to help families affected by the drought. This money was distributed to the states and all gone within three weeks. In January 2007 Woolworths held a National Drought Action Day and gave the profits ($4.7 million) to CWA to be distributed to needy families in drought areas. In March 2007 the Federal Government gave the CWA a further $2 million which again was all distributed in three weeks.

Farm Business Planning Tools

Gross Margin Analysis templates allow comparisons to be made between potential enterprises and to assist with the question, “how profitable are my potential enterprise options?”. The business overheads can be taken into account using the Designing a Successful Business template and put into a broader context by using the Financial Management Property Planning Module.

Rural Support Network Tasmania

The Rural Support Network Tasmania (RSNT) covers the health, financial and technical farming services available for rural communities.

Tasmanian Drought Evaluation Report 2011

The Tasmanian Drought Evaluation Project evaluated a range of government initiatives that were used to assist drought affected communities in Tasmania,and provides recommendations for the design and implementation of future government and non-government support initiatives.
  Links (FarmPoint is not responsible for the content of the websites linked to below. The link does not constitute any form of endorsement.)

Caring for our Country initiative

Caring for our Country is the Australian Government's new natural resource management program that will integrate delivery of the existing natural resource management programs, the Natural Heritage Trust, the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, the National Landcare Program, the Environmental Stewardship Program and the Working on Country Indigenous land and environmental program.

Drought and farming (CSIRO)

CSIRO is improving water efficiency and developing techniques to help farms remain productive during drought conditions.

Drought assistance (Australian Govt)

Information about drought assistance and exceptional circumstances (EC) support from the Australian Government.

Drought assistance (NSW Govt)

Information on drought including assistance, planning, management, recovery and current situation.

Drought reform pilot for WA

The Australian Government, in partnership with the Western Australian Government, is conducting a pilot of drought reform measures in part of Western Australia.

Drought Statement (BOM)

Drought Statement for the 6 and 24-month periods ending 30th June 2009. Issued on 6th July 2009 by the National Climate Centre

Exceptional circumstances relief (Centrelink)

The Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment (ECRP) is delivered by Centrelink on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The payment provides assistance to farmers living in 'exceptional circumstances' affected areas who are having difficulty meeting family and personal living expenses.

Help for drought affected areas (ATO)

The Tax Office can help taxpayers affected by the drought by giving them more time to lodge and pay their income tax and activity statements.

It’s about people: Changing perspectives on dryness report– September 2008

A report prepared by the Expert Social Panel on the social impacts of drought on Australian farm families, rural businesses and communities.

Living with drought (BOM)

Australia is the driest inhabited continent even though some areas have annual rainfall of over 1200 millimetres. Our climate is highly variable - across the continent generally, as well as from year-to-year. We must learn to live with drought!

National review of drought policy

Information on Australian Government's review of drought policy

Rural law online - drought law forum

If you are living in a drought affected area and have a legal issue, enter the Forum and post a question or view what others have to say. Lawyers and Rural Counsellors from around Australia are available to respond to you query.

Seasonal Climate Outlook

The Bureau of Meteorology's Seasonal Climate Outlook is issued every month, giving probabilities for rainfall and temperatures in the season ahead.

Services for farmers (Centrelink)

If you are responsible for a farm, Centrelink can help you with drought assistance, farm help, accommodation and renting and other areas.

Tasmanian drought information (Aust Govt)

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) website outlining Tasmanian drought measures.

Water and the Land (Bureau of Meteorology)

A special part of the Bureau of Meteorology's web site dedicated to Agriculture and Natural Resources Management

Water Restrictions (Public Info)

Information on current restrictions on irrigation in Tasmania. Just select "Water Restrictions" from the Category menu on the left-hand side of this webpage.

Weekly rainfall update (BOM)

Weekly rainfall data and updates from the Bureau of Meteorology.