DROUGHT is ravaging our region, turning paddocks to dust and leaving farmers struggling to source feed.

But help is available and now the Southern Downs is on the drought-declared list, farmers around the region can access a range of support services.

Here are five options for farmers looking for assistance during these dry times.

1. Farm business concessional loans

From July 1 this year, farmers will be able to apply for concessional loans through the Regional Investment Corporation.

Two loans are available, the farm investment loan and drought loans.

For more information about the loans and eligibility contact the RIC on 1800 875 675 or visit www.ric.gov.au.

2. Farm household allowance

This allowance provides eligible farmers and their partners with assistance through planning for long-term financial improvements and income support for up to three years.

Applicants are encouraged not to self-assess eligibility.

Seek assistance by phoning 13 23 16.

3. Drought relief assistance scheme

This scheme aims to help primary producers with drought-declared properties to manage the welfare of their core breeding herd during drought and restore herds after drought.

Three assistance measures are available:

- Freight subsidies for transporting fodder

- Freight subsidies for transporting water

- Emergency water infrastructure rebate, providing a rebate on the purchase and installation of water infrastructure installed for emergency animal welfare needs

The maximum amount available is initially a total of $20,000 a property each year.

For more information visit business.qld.gov.au.

4. Financial counselling services

Free financial advice is available to help producers suffering financial hardship and have no alternative source of impartial financial information.

They help identify financial and business options, negotiate with lenders, develop an action plan and refer to other service providers.

Rural financial counsellors do not provide family, emotional or social counselling.

To find a rural financial counsellor visit agriculture.gov.au.

5. Health care services

Queensland Health provides primary mental health support through the drought well-being services provided by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

They can offer individual counselling services, talks and training as well as pit stop health checks.

The services are free of charge.

To chat to a drought well-being service mental health clinician on the Darling Downs phone Gail Jamieson on 0497 849 652.

6. Education assistance

The Department of Education and Training provides a drought supplement to the Living Away From Home Allowances Scheme for eligible Queensland families whose children need to live away from home to attend a state school or accredited non-state school.

This may be because their home is geographically isolated.

For eligibility and guidelines visit www.qld.gov.au.

- For more information about drought relief visit www.daf.qld.gov.au.