The Limestone Coast is no stranger to dry times. This region faces unique challenges, where the timing and cumulative effects of weather are as important to agricultural success as the amount of rain. With an economy based on agriculture, fishing and forestry, processing these products through manufacturing and service industries that underpin them, the impacts of drought are felt right through the community.
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Drought Support in the Limestone Coast
Financial and Business Assistance
Small Business Support — Free and Local
Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC) offers free, confidential support to small and family businesses across the region. Through the Small Business Fundamentals Drought Program, funded by the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business, we deliver tailored support to help businesses impacted by drought.
Our services include one-on-one mentoring, business advice, practical tools, and workshops designed to address business challenges, and support long-term sustainability. We also connect businesses with relevant government programs, grants, and resources to support recovery and growth.
Learn more about our business support services here.
Rural Business Support
Free financial counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and small business owners
Phone: 1800 836 211
Website: Rural Business Support
Family and Business Support (FaB) Mentors
Locally based mentors providing practical support for families and businesses doing it tough
Phone: Sally Klose – 0427 829 143
Website: PIRSA FaB Mentors
PIRSA Drought Support
Drought recovery grants, loan assistance, and industry development programs
Website: PIRSA Drought Support
Australian Government Farm Household Allowance
Support for eligible farming families experiencing hardship
Website: Services Australia
Concessional Loans
Eligible farmers or farm-related small businesses can apply for a low-cost RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) loan to restructure existing debt or access new debt for operating expenses and capital expenditure.
Website: Regional Investment Corporation
Algal Bloom Support for Coastal Businesses
Financial assistance is available for small businesses affected by South Australia's algal bloom. Eligible marine and coastal operators, such as charters, seafood processors, tackle shops, and coastal accommodation providers may apply for up to $10,000 if they have experienced a 30% decline in turnover.
Commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders may be eligible for up to $100,000. Additional support includes waived licence fees and mental health assistance through the Stay Afloat program. If your business is experiencing impacts from the algal bloom, please contact us to explore how we can help.
Website: Algal Bloom
Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC) offers free, confidential support to small and family businesses across the region. Through the Small Business Fundamentals Drought Program, funded by the Government of South Australia’s Office for Small and Family Business, we deliver tailored support to help businesses impacted by drought.
Our services include one-on-one mentoring, business advice, practical tools, and workshops designed to address business challenges, and support long-term sustainability. We also connect businesses with relevant government programs, grants, and resources to support recovery and growth.
Learn more about our business support services here.
Rural Business Support
Free financial counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and small business owners
Phone: 1800 836 211
Website: Rural Business Support
Family and Business Support (FaB) Mentors
Locally based mentors providing practical support for families and businesses doing it tough
Phone: Sally Klose – 0427 829 143
Website: PIRSA FaB Mentors
PIRSA Drought Support
Drought recovery grants, loan assistance, and industry development programs
Website: PIRSA Drought Support
Australian Government Farm Household Allowance
Support for eligible farming families experiencing hardship
Website: Services Australia
Concessional Loans
Eligible farmers or farm-related small businesses can apply for a low-cost RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) loan to restructure existing debt or access new debt for operating expenses and capital expenditure.
Website: Regional Investment Corporation
Algal Bloom Support for Coastal Businesses
Financial assistance is available for small businesses affected by South Australia's algal bloom. Eligible marine and coastal operators, such as charters, seafood processors, tackle shops, and coastal accommodation providers may apply for up to $10,000 if they have experienced a 30% decline in turnover.
Commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders may be eligible for up to $100,000. Additional support includes waived licence fees and mental health assistance through the Stay Afloat program. If your business is experiencing impacts from the algal bloom, please contact us to explore how we can help.
Website: Algal Bloom
Community and Advisory Support
SA Drought Hub
Research, innovation, and extension services for farmers and landholders
Website: SA Drought Hub
Limestone Coast Landscape Board
Natural resource management, grants, and advice for landholders
Website: Landscape Board
Health and Wellbeing
Drought doesn't just affect land and business — it impacts people. Mental health and wellbeing are critical, especially during times of prolonged stress or uncertainty. Free and confidential help is available to individuals, families, and communities.
Centacare Limestone Coast
Mental health support tailored to rural communities. No referral needed
Phone: (08) 8228 8998
Email: drought@centacare.org.au
Website: Centacare
Statewide Helplines and Resources
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Regional Access (24/7 phone counselling) – 1300 032 186
SA Health – Mental Health Services
The Drought Mental Health Support Program is led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, in partnership with Preventive Health SA and SA Health. It provides tools and services to manage stress, improve wellbeing, and stay connected during tough times.
Website: The Drought Mental Health Support Program
Research, innovation, and extension services for farmers and landholders
Website: SA Drought Hub
Limestone Coast Landscape Board
Natural resource management, grants, and advice for landholders
Website: Landscape Board
Health and Wellbeing
Drought doesn't just affect land and business — it impacts people. Mental health and wellbeing are critical, especially during times of prolonged stress or uncertainty. Free and confidential help is available to individuals, families, and communities.
Centacare Limestone Coast
Mental health support tailored to rural communities. No referral needed
Phone: (08) 8228 8998
Email: drought@centacare.org.au
Website: Centacare
Statewide Helplines and Resources
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Regional Access (24/7 phone counselling) – 1300 032 186
SA Health – Mental Health Services
The Drought Mental Health Support Program is led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions, in partnership with Preventive Health SA and SA Health. It provides tools and services to manage stress, improve wellbeing, and stay connected during tough times.
Website: The Drought Mental Health Support Program
National Drought Plan
The Australian Government has released a five-year Drought Plan to improve how farmers and communities prepare for and manage drought.
It outlines available support, including loans, financial counselling, climate tools, and business planning, and aims to strengthen collaboration across all levels of government.
Learn more here.
It outlines available support, including loans, financial counselling, climate tools, and business planning, and aims to strengthen collaboration across all levels of government.
Learn more here.