Western Australia
There are currently no exceptional circumstances (EC) declared areas in Western Austalia (WA).
A number of other drought assistance measures are available to farmers, their families, rural communities and certain small businesses not in EC. Anyone wishing to enquire about assistance should call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.
Assistance is also available through the Rural Financial Counselling Service program. The program provides grants to state and regional organisations to provide free and impartial rural financial counselling to primary producers, fishers and small rural businesses who are suffering financial hardship and who have no alternative sources of impartial support.
The Australian Government, in partnership with the Western Australian Government, is conducting a pilot of drought reform measures in part of Western Australia. The pilot will test a package of new measures developed in response to the national review of drought policy.
The pilot measures are designed to move from a crisis management approach to risk management. The pilot will be in place from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011. For information about the pilot please visit the drought pilot webpage or call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.