Rural small businesses may also be eligible for Exceptional Circumstances Income support from Centrelink and Interest Subsidy Assistance from the NSW RAA. To be eligible small business owners must have experienced a significant downturn as a result of the drought, contribute a significant part of their labour and capital to the business and derive a significant part of their income from the business, employ up to 100 full time staff and have a current ABN. 

There are two types of small businesses who can qualify for EC assistance: 

1. Small businesses who source 70% of their income from the provision of goods and services for farming activities in EC declared areas (eg fencing contractors, contract harvesters, seed, feed and fertilizer suppliers, livestock transporters, shearing contractors and suppliers of farm machinery and equipment).  EC recovery period: 7 November 2007 to 30 September 2008.
2. Small businesses located in a town that is substantially reliant on farming income with a population of 10,000 or less and in an EC declared area.  EC period: 25 September 2007 to 30 September 2008. 

For more information see:-

• Drought maps and drought assistance eligibility status of Rural Lands Protection Boards
• Map of Execptional Circumstances areas
• visit this section of the Centrelink website or phone Centrelink toll free on 132316,

• visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority's website or phone toll free 1800 678593 or
• click here to contact your nearest Rural Financial Counsellor 

Go to Exceptional Circumstances assistance for farmers