Drought
Current drought map and status
For information on drought eligibility of status of RLPBs and to view the latest drought maps, see Current drought situation (www.dpi.nsw.gov.au)
Drought classification relies on:
- a review of historic rainfall records for the area
- pasture availability
- climatic events such as frosts
- seasonal factors such as pasture growing seasons.
For assistance with drought-related issues contact your local RLPB.
Rural Lands Protection Boards are a critical link between the rural community and government during the current drought, both at a State Council level and at the district level.
Getting government assistance
RLPBs assist members of the community to access government assistance by distributing forms, assisting landholders to fill in the associated information, processing claim forms and assisting to coordinate social support activities. Boards also provide referrals to other avenues of assistance.
On-the-ground support
Local Boards play a major role in drought declarations, the preparation of Exceptional Circumstances applications, the processing of drought subsidies and preparation of seasonal condition reports.
RLPBs also provide advice on drought feeding and related animal health issues.
Drought and mental health
Rural Lands Protection Boards are partners in the Drought Mental Health Assistance Package (DMHAP).
Through our representation on the project's Steering Committee, we are committed to creating linkages to help with the delivery of mental health services to rural families during the ongoing drought. The RLPB is also represented on the community consultative committee of the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, based in Orange.
Further information
General drought information – planning to handle drought, managing in drought, community support, financial assistance, current drought situation, drought recovery and lessons learnt from the drought (NSW DPI site).
State Government drought assistance – drought subsidies, eligibility and forms.
Commonwealth Government drought assistance – Exceptional Circumstances assistance, employment services, free personal and financial counselling, income support and interest rate relief.
Drought feeding and management of stock – general information (NSW DPI).
Useful links
Rural Financial Counsellors
Centrelink