Drought Support Update: South Australian Drought Loan Scheme
Applications Open: South Australian Drought Loan Scheme
Applications are now open for the South Australia Drought Loan Scheme.
The Scheme supports drought affected grain and livestock farmers in South Australia’s Murray Mallee, Riverland and Upper North regions, through access to urgent financial assistance through the provision of low-interest loans.
Note: Even though the State Government has not included Eyre Peninsula in their Drought Loan Scheme, we encourage any EP farmers who have been greatly impacted by drought to register your ‘expression of interest’ with PIRSA.
This is not a commitment to utilise the loan, it is merely an expression of interest to receive information on what you will need to supply if you do become eligible and want to pursue a drought loan. Many desperate areas have now had a promising start to 2026, but may lack the financial capacity to sow a crop or restock under the current pricing conditions.
It is important that after the election, PIRSA are aware of everyone who is in legitimate need.
Loans of up to $250,000 are available with a loan term of up to 10 years.
To further support recovery, recipients will not be required to make repayments for the first 2 years of the loan term, with interest throughout that time accrued and added onto the principal. The loans are for working capital only and cannot be used to refinance existing debt.
Loans will have concessional interest rates for the first 2 years at 50% of the 10-year Commonwealth bond rate. During the last 8 years of the loan term the interest rate will be based on the 10-year CBR.
The Scheme is being managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) who are working with the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) to administer the loans on behalf of the South Australian Government.
Applications are open until 31 December 2026.
To find out more information about the Scheme and how to apply, visit the South Australia Loan Scheme website.