Supporting our farmers and protecting our environment

Helping farmers in hardship

The National Drought Program Reform will help farmers be more prepared and resilient in the face of a variable climate and other challenges — ultimately assisting farm sector productivity.

As part of the National Drought Program Reform, the Government is investing $99.4 million for a new Farm Household Allowance, which will support farmers in hardship. The Reform will also help farmers to assess their business situation and manage related risks, through improved options for farm business training and better risk management tools and support services for farmers.

Farm Finance

This package will bring financial relief to farmers through the provision of concessional loans and build their ongoing resilience through a nationally consistent approach to farm debt mediation, enhancements to the farm management deposits scheme, and additional funding for the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

Reef Rescue

This $200 million program will protect our Great Barrier Reef for future generations. To improve the quality of water entering the reef, farmers will receive assistance to implement sustainable farming practices, reducing sediment and nutrient run-off.

The Murray‑Darling Basin Plan

This Government has delivered historic water reform through its delivery of the Murray‑Darling Basin Plan. We are providing $3.5 billion to support the implementation of the Plan that restores our rivers to health, supports strong regional communities and ensures sustainable food production.

Protecting our water resources

We are also amending environmental law to provide greater environmental protection for our water resources from any adverse impacts of coal seam gas and large coal mining developments. This Budget provides funding of $38.5 million over four years to support rigorous environmental assessment and approval processes of projects.