Primary producers can apply for rebates of up to 75% (to a maximum of $5,000 excluding GST) for on-farm drought infrastructure that assists in managing drought conditions and strengthening preparedness.

Eligible projects will include water infrastructure updates, water, grain and fodder storage, stock containment feeding, fencing, soil moisture monitors, weather stations, and other farm improvements.

Eligible groups can apply for grants of up to $5,000 (excluding GST) to host community events that foster social connections and provide support during these challenging times.

This can include support for mental health-related training opportunities for their communities.

Eligible groups include industry groups, community groups, not-for-profits, local government and other incorporated groups.

Community organisations or not-for-profits can be granted up to $2,000 to support  deliver projects or events that help meet the strategies and priorities in Council’s Community Plan. This includes events and initiatives that help and bring people together during these trying times.

Opening and Closing Dates

Applications under the Community Grants Program will be assessed and awarded on an ongoing basis.

For more information contact the City of Victor Harbor Grants Team at grants@victor.sa.gov.au or 08 8551 0500.

Guidelines

Online Application Form (preferred)

Hard copy application forms are available at the front counter of the Civic Centre, 1 Bay Road Victor Harbor.

The City of Victor Harbor Farm Support Grant Program aims to assist agribusinesses, on-farm and off, within the local area during the current dry weather conditions. The program provides funding to help cover essential and unavoidable business expenses, supporting businesses to maintain operations during this challenging time.

What can I seek funding for?

Eligible applicants can apply for up to $2,500 (excluding GST) to assist with unavoidable operational business expenses, such as:

• Power bills for water pumping for livestock
• Water, feed, fodder or other farm supplies
• Freight expenses for water or feed
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Who can receive funding?

To be eligible for this program, applicants must earn more than 50 per cent of their gross income, under normal seasonal circumstances, from:

• primary production classified land within the City of Victor Harbor, or
• a business registered in the City of Victor Harbor whose primary focus is providing direct services to farmers.

Additionally, applicants must also:

• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be registered for GST
• provide evidence that confirms financial hardship, such as a letter from an accountant or a statutory declaration.
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How much is available?

The total budget for the Farm Business Support Grant program is $80,000.

The maximum grant available per farm business is $2,500 (excluding GST) with a limit of $2,500 per ABN.

When can I apply?

Applications can be lodged from Monday 14th April 2025. Applications close on Friday 30th May 2025 or until the grants are fully exhausted.

How are applications processed?

On receipt of the application, the City of Victor Harbor may request further information from you (including financial information) to assist with the assessment of your application or to verify any information provided in your application. Once all information has been provided, a grants panel will review the application and make recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer for final approval. The applicant will be advised of an outcome within 7 business days.

Applications will be assessed and awarded on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.

How to apply

Apply via the online form or paper copy before the closing date.

Paper copies are available at the Civic Centre, 1 Bay Road Victor Harbor and must be returned via email to localgov@victor.sa.gov.au, via post to PO Box 11, Victor Harbor 5211 or in-person at the Civic Centre. The online form can be accessed at www.victor.sa.gov.au/grants

Acquittals

Successful applicants will be required to submit an acquittal demonstrating that the funds were used as approved, including supporting documentation such as receipts or tax invoices related to the approved expenses.

More information and assistance

For more information or for assistance in submitting your application, please contact the City of Victor Harbor Project Officer at grants@victor.sa.gov.au or 08 8551 0500.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) initiated FaB mentor service can help you during difficult situations as a primary producer or regionally-based agricultural business owner. It is a free, confidential triage service in South Australia, connecting you to assistance specific to your needs.

FaB mentors will help you find ways to manage your unique situation. They work closely with service providers and can connect you to services, including:

• financial counselling
• local health networks
• emotional wellbeing and counselling services
• government and non-government assistance
• community organisations.
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To find a FaB mentor visit pir.sa.gov.au/fabs or call the Recovery hotline on 1800 931 314 or email PIRSA.Recovery@sa.gov.au

Any primary producers and small rural business owners who are experiencing financial difficulties or who have concerns about the financial impacts of the current market conditions impacting the South Australian agriculture sector can contact the RFCS, which provides free, confidential and impartial business support and information.

The RFCS is also able to provide support in the application process for Farm Household Allowance and Farm Management Deposits.

The RFCS is working to help primary producers and small rural businesses to prepare cash flow budgets to manage through the next 12 months, prepare for meetings with their banker, or consider other options to become more profitable. Counsellors can provide support over the phone, visit you on-farm or meet you at a mutually agreeable location.

These offices are all contactable via 1800 836 211 (freecall). For more information visit ruralbusinesssupport.org.au/rfcs

The FHA provides eligible producers and their partners who are experiencing financial hardship with assistance and support to improve their long-term financial situation.

The program provides a package of assistance that includes:

• up to four years of fortnightly income support (in every 10-year period)
• ancillary allowances such as Pharmaceutical Allowance, Telephone Allowance, Rent Assistance and Remote Area Allowance
• a professional financial assessment of the farm business (worth up to $1,500)
• funding to help develop skills, access training and pay for professional advice (up to $10,000 and can include reasonable travel and accommodation to undertake training)
• regular support of a case manager.
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Rural Business Support can help eligible families access their FHA entitlements or provide more information. You can call them on 1800 836 211 (freecall).

Office of the Small Business Commissioner

W: sasbc.sa.gov.au

T: 1800 702 722

Farm Debt Mediation provides obligations for creditors and rights for farmers under the Farm Debt Mediation Act 2018.

W: ato.gov.au/fmd

T: Australian Taxation Office Business Tax Enquiries - 13 28 66

The FMD Scheme assists primary producers to deal more effectively with varying income. It is designed to increase the self-reliance of Australian primary producers by helping them manage their financial risk and meet their business costs in low-income years by building up cash reserves.

The scheme allows eligible primary producers to set aside pre-tax income from primary production in years of high income, which they can draw on in years of low income. Income deposited into an FMD account is tax deductible in the year the deposit is made. It becomes taxable income in the year in which it is withdrawn.

W: ric.gov.au

The Australian Government provides low interest loans for primary producers for farm investment, debt restructuring, operating expenses and drought recovery and preparedness activities. These loans are now administered by the Australian Government’s central entity, the Regional Investment Corporation.

The loans include:

• variable interest rate, currently 5.18% (as at 2 September 2024)
• loan terms of 10 years, including an interest-only period
• up to $2 million.

Contact your telecommunication services directly or a Rural Financial Counsellor to assist with negotiations. All telecommunications services have hardship policies to allow people who are doing it tough to negotiate payment arrangements. Most will provide flexibility with the following:

• long-term payment arrangements
• reviewing and removing administrative fees
• placing customers on more affordable plans
• conversion to pre-paid services
• allowing incoming and emergency calls only to fixed lines.

The Future Drought Fund (FDF) aims to boost drought and climate resilience. The FDF helps:

• farmers and producers to plan, access climate tools, and share resilient farming practices
• communities to plan, and fosters rural and regional leaders and networks.