The details of the Government’s 1 billion dollar drought plan aren’t available yet but the following loans are available to farmers.

Farm Innovation Fund – NSW Residents Only

• Borrow up to a maximum of $1mil to build on farm infrastructure
• Interest rate 2.5%
• Term is up to 20 years.
• Security: Statutory Charge and registered caveat over the property.

https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/loans/farm-innovation-fund

Drought Assistance Fund – NSW Residents Only

• Up to $50k interest free loan.
• Transport of livestock, fodder or water
• Water and fodder infrastructure
• Activities which promote profitability and resilience
• Term: two years repayment free from the date loan is drawn down and then up to five years of principle only repayments
• Security: Statutory Charge and registered caveat over the property.

https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/loans/drought-assistance-fund

Drought Loan with Regional Investment Corporation (RIC)

• Up to $2mil for refinancing (restructuring existing debt), accessing new debt for operation expenses and capital expenditure.
• Interest rate: 3.11% variable rate
• Term: 10 years – first 5 years interest only, then principal and interest for the remainder of the 10 year term.

https://www.ric.gov.au/sites/default/files/SiteCollectionDocuments/drought-loan-guidelines.pdf