In response to the exceptional drought circumstances affecting all Australian states, Westpac today announced it is extending its ongoing support to customers under a new Drought Assistance Package.

Steve Hannan, National Agribusiness Manager at Westpac said: “Of all the challenges that farmers face, drought is one of the most difficult. We have a deep commitment to supporting rural and regional Australia and know that times like these can be extremely tough.”

“Taking into consideration the widespread impact of the drought, we are committing $100 million to lend exclusively to eligible drought-affected customers to help them through these challenging times.”

“This is the first time in Westpac’s 200 year history that we have set aside such an amount to provide immediate and long-term financial relief to our agribusiness customers,” Mr Hannan said.

Westpac Group is introducing the following measures to support Agribusiness customers:

The creation of a $100 million fund to provide carry on finance loans of up to $1 million to existing eligible Westpac Group agribusiness customers at a heavily-discounted variable interest rate1;

Giving drought-impacted customers the option to defer principal and interest repayments on existing business term loans and equipment finance for up to 12 months2; and

Offering an interest adjustment for customers with Farm Management Deposit (FMD) to effectively offset FMD balances against their eligible business loans3

The Drought Assistance Package complements Westpac’s recent combined $200,000 donation to the Salvation Army Rural Support Services Program, and Community Recovery Resilience grants.

Westpac Agribusiness has expanded its national team by 15 per cent this year and continues to offer a range of practical solutions that can provide immediate financial relief to eligible customers, such as deferring loan repayments and restructuring existing loans without charging application fees.

“By offering this personalised support to our customers, we look to give them confidence and certainty so they can focus on more critical issues like looking after their loved ones and keeping their businesses running,” Mr Hannan said.

Westpac Agribusiness is proactively contacting drought-affected customers and encourages those experiencing financial difficulties to contact their Relationship Manager for a confidential review to understand the financial options available to them.

Westpac Group is also encouraging its employees to give generously to the Salvation Army and other registered drought-related charities, and will match employee donations to eligible Australian charities through its Matching Gifts program. Westpac branches are also supporting public donations.

For more information, please contact Lucy Wilson - 0428 777 704 or lucy.wilson@westpac.com.au