Rural Aid boosts support for struggling farmers as natural disasters escalate

Rural Aid is calling for support to help the charity continue to deliver its services to farmers in need as natural disasters across the country continue to disrupt and devastate people's livelihoods.

Australia has recorded 70 government-declared natural disasters so far in the 2024–25 financial year, with all but one Queensland local government area affected - a stark indication of the mounting pressures on rural communities. The Federal Treasury estimates natural disasters cost the economy $2.2 billion in lost activity in the first half of 2025 alone.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters says the toll on farmers is immense.

“We’re seeing disasters hitting more often, and hitting harder. It’s pushing farmers and their families to breaking point,” he said.

Rural Aid has been providing urgent support across the country, including hay drops, clean water deliveries, financial relief, and mental health services.

“A ten-minute hailstorm can wipe out a year’s worth of work and income,” Mr Warlters noted. “Farmers live with constant uncertainty.”

Beyond emergency response, Rural Aid is working on longer-term recovery through farm rebuilds and community support programs designed to foster economic resilience and wellbeing in rural areas.

The psychological impact is also growing. Chronic stress is becoming a feature of life for many producers, exacerbated by climate unpredictability, market pressures, and isolation. Deloitte projects the annual cost of natural disasters could rise to $73 billion by 2060.

Rural Aid is calling for continued public support.

“We rely on donations to keep delivering our services. Every dollar makes a real difference on the ground,” Mr Warlters said.

Donations can be made at www.ruralaid.org.au