Parts of NSW has been suffering drought for some time now and it appears that climate change will increase the frequency of drought in the future.  This page is intended to bring together some sources of information on drought assistance, planning and recovery.

Drought Status

• Drought Page – Bureau of Meterology (Drought Statements and Rainfall Updates)
• Seasonal Outlooks - Bureau of Meterology (Rainfall Outlook, ENSO Wrap-Up)
• Current Drought Map - NSW DPI
• Exceptional Circumstances Map – DAFF

Advice and Assistance

• Livestock Health and Pest Authority
• Rural Assistance Authority - Exceptional Circumstances
• Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW - Northern Region
• List of Rural Financial Counsellors
• Australian Government Drought Assistance – Centrelink
• Drought Information - NSW Goverment
• NSW DPI Drought Support Workers

Telephone Support

• NSW Agriculture Drought Hotline: 1800 814 647
• NSW Rural Assistance Authority: 1800 678 593
• State Disaster Recovery Centre: 1800 018 444
• NSW Health Drought Stress & Counselling Line: 1800 201 123
• Centrelink Drought Assistance Line: 132 316

Looking After Your Livestock and Land

Managing feed and water resources during drought and planning livestock management accordingly is a complex task.  The NSW DPI has a number of information resources to assist with this task (calculators for feed cost and stock transport, water requirements, etc).

Looking After Yourself

This might be last on the list but it should be first in your mind.  Drought is really tough for everyone involved and it is easy to become isolated and depressed.  Make sure you look after your own physical and mental health as a priority.

• Drought Stress & Counselling Line: 1800 201 123
• beyondblue Drought Resource Kit