Latest updates and advice
| The Western Australian (WA) Government has announced a $8.6 million funding package to support agricultural industries and rural communities impacted by the current drought conditions. Hardship Support Grants – applications now openWA farm businesses facing financial hardship due to drought conditions can apply for $5000 per primary production business to help cover the cost of stockfeed, water and transportation. Applications close on 30 June 2024 or when funding is fully committed (whichever occurs first). |
Livestock
- Producers looking for feed - go to Livestock Feed - a collaborative project connecting farmers looking for feed with those selling.
- Livestock management provides information to assist decision-making in challenging seasonal and industry conditions.
- Cattle producers and small landholders in the South West affected by dry season conditions are urged to regularly monitor their herds and take action early to ensure the condition and welfare of animals. See Southern beef - dry season management.
- Pastoralists - refer to Dealing with a dry year in the southern rangelands of WA for information and management resources.
Climate and water
- If you think you are likely to become water deficient within the next 4 weeks, discuss your situation with your Local Government Authority (LGA), or contact the DWER rural water planning team on 1800 780 300, ruralwater@dwer.wa.gov.au or visit DWER’s Rural water planning webpage.
- The climate outlook for May to July is mostly neutral; May is likely to be drier than normal, with rain chances improving from June. See the Bureau’s seasonal outlook video for details and check monthly updates to the Seasonal Climate Outlook.
- Weather Matters is a video series featuring Bureau of Meteorology WA manager for hazard preparedness and response James Ashley and DPIRD climate research scientist Meredith Guthrie. Viewers can send in questions for Meredith and James by emailing weather-briefing@dpird.wa.gov.au .
Funding and support
Funding and support services information and contacts are available to assist people in rural WA areas.
Seasonal management information
Funding and support services
Support services available to assist rural people in stressful situations can be found on WA's rural support services webpage and directory. These include:
- Regional Men’s Health Initiative
- Rural Aid
- Lifeline
- Beyond Blue
- Rural West financial counselling service.
For resources and information on grants and funding available to assist growers, pastoralists and industry experiencing hardship in challenging times, please refer to Funding and support information.
Horticulture producers in the Warren-Donnelly region of WA can apply for funding to improve their water security. See the Southern Forests Infrastructure Support Scheme WA.
Contacts
| Region/area | Contact |
| South West & Great Southern | |
| Esperance | |
| Wheatbelt | |
| Gascoyne & Mid West | |
| Water | Richard George |
| Hardship Support Grants & Loans (business hours only) | RuralBusiness.DevelopmentUnit@dpird.wa.gov.au or (08) 9368 3082 |