29 July 2026

Drought declared? Get ahead of it.

Business & Rural Solutions CEO Ross Leggett said that the Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland (RFCSSQ) welcomed the reinstatement of the Emergency Drought Assistance Loan Scheme and the Drought Carry-on Finance Loan Scheme funded by the Queensland Government and made available through QRIDA.

Following prolonged periods of below-average rainfall in the State’s inland border regions, the Hon Tony Perrett Minister for Primary Industries yesterday announced on behalf of the Crisafulli Government that a drought declaration for the Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, Balonne and part of the Maranoa regions was in effect.

BRS CEO Ross Leggett said, ‘Drought is a recurring feature of the Southern Queensland climate, and we welcome the reinstatement of the Queensland Government drought loan programs via QRIDA. 

‘These programs provide valuable support for primary producers experiencing cashflow shortfalls due to increased costs and decreased income’ he said.

‘Seasonal conditions are getting tighter throughout the Queensland border regions and the drought declarations this week for Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, Balonne and parts of the Maranoa region recognise that.

‘We are seeing farmers responding to tougher economic conditions by reaching out for independent, practical and impartial support that is making a real difference to their financial and personal outlook.

‘RFCSSQ recently launched the Get Ahead Of It webinar series which urges farmers to seek clarity before a crisis through practical conversations that promote the benefits of asking for help early.

‘Get Ahead of It is for primary producers to do exactly that – giving them the confidence to seek the help that is available particularly before financial, business or personal pressures risk becoming a significant crisis.’

For assistance in forecasting how your farm business will cope with the current conditions, contact your local Rural Financial Counsellors for impartial, confidential and free planning support.

BRS has a network of experienced and trained staff located in rural and regional communities who provide free and confidential support to primary producers, including:

• Rural Financial Counsellors (confidential, impartial and free financial counselling services for primary producers who are experiencing or at risk of financial hardship)
• Farm Business Planning Specialists (confidential, impartial and free support to develop a Farm Business Resilience Plan) and
• Industry Recovery & Resilience Officers (confidential, impartial and free support to help prepare for the next natural disaster)

‘If you are feeling uncertain about the future, get ahead of it by reaching out to your local Rural Financial Counsellor today’, Mr Leggett said.

• For more information on the Get Ahead Of It webinar series visit www.getaheadofit.org.au
• For more information drought assistance from the RFCSSQ visit https://rfcssq.org.au/drought/

About Business & Rural Solutions Queensland

Business & Rural Solutions (BRS) t/a Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland is a leading not-for-profit organisation focused on being the preferred provider of valuable support to rural and small businesses and their communities. Commencing in 1999, we have continuously partnered with local, state and federal government and philanthropic bodies to undertake proactive service delivery that empowers the rural and small business sectors.

BRS owns and manages the programs of its primary brands, including RFCS Southern Queensland, Small Business Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland (SBFCSSQ), and Rural Solutions Queensland (RSQ).