Exceptional Circumstances

Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payments (ECRP)

To assist farm families in Exceptional Circumstances (EC) drought declared areas who are experiencing difficulties meeting basic living expenses.

ECRP is equivalent to Newatart Allowance and is subject to specific income and asset tests.
Essential farming assets are excluded from the assets test, and off-farm assets up to certain limits are also ignored.
ECRP is administered and delivered by Centrelink.

Call Centrelink on 13 23 16 or web site
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/
internet.nsf/payments/ecrp.htm

Interest Rate Subsidies (QRAA)

Exceptional Circumstances Interest Rate Subsidies.

To provide business support to farm enterprises that are viable in the long term but are in financial difficulties due to drought Exceptional Circumstances (EC).
A subsidy of up to 80% of interest paid on new and existing loans is available, up to a maximum of $100,000 per annum. The property must be located in an EC drought declared area.

For full terms and conditions of this assistance (including assessment criteria and drought declared areas), please contact QRAA on: free call 1800 623 946

Mortgage Duty Relief

Primary producers who are eligible for EC assistance and are refinancing their loans with their existing or new lender can apply to have stamp duty on their new mortgage waived.

Applications are through the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA),
free call 1800 623 946