Farmers believe they are owed millions of dollars through a Federal Government water infrastructure scheme, which was run by the states.
Last year, the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate (EWIR) was extended to fruit, vegetable and nut growers making them eligible for a 25 per cent rebate if they paid to drought-proof their properties.
But having forked out $32,000 for four bores on her drought-stricken property, Sunshine Coast tropical fruit grower Karen Martin said she had received a letter from the Queensland Agriculture Minister in July explaining there was no money left to pay her.
"Had we known, we definitely would've rethought four bores," Ms Martin said.
Many other growers were shocked when the Federal Government announced in June the $50 million fund had been subscribed and exhausted.
Sunshine Coast passionfruit grower Jane Richter said the administration by some states had been woeful.
"To be told at the last minute, 'Sorry the money's run out, you're no longer entitled to the rebate we confirmed you were entitled to' is a real slap in the face; it's simply unfair at the end of the day," Ms Richter said.
"You've got to keep a record of how many people you've told can go and invest x amount of dollars and, frankly, once you get to 90 per cent of your allocation you've got to pull up and have a review that says, do we continue?"
At least $10m owed
More than two thirds of Queensland is still drought-declared and Karen Martin said recent rain had merely "fed the weeds".
Conditions are better in northern New South Wales but macadamia grower Kim Revell was stunned by the handling of the rebate scheme, which she had hoped to be eligible for.
She spent $70,000 drilling bores in the hope of installing a more sophisticated irrigation system.
But after discovering there was no money for a rebate, she "cut her losses" and settled with a bore for stock and domestic use only.
"It isn't really about the money that the rebate would have given, although it would have been nice," Ms Revell said.
"And then to have that support withdrawn with no warning — that's the problem."
Farm lobby groups estimate that farmers who have not yet received the rebates are owed at least $10 million.
Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt said he understood their frustration and was looking for more money.
"But once again the administration of some State Governments is not the fault of the Commonwealth."
'Still in drought'
Queensland and New South Wales blame the Federal Government for not stumping up more cash.
"This is the worst kind of buck-passing by the Federal Government," Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner told the ABC in a statement.
"The Federal Government contributed a trickle of EWIR funding, but has turned off the tap with two-thirds of Queensland still in drought."
NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said he was disappointed the Commonwealth had "pulled up stumps" on a "highly popular program during the middle of a drought."
Jane Richter said she was fed up with governments pointing the finger at each other, rather than coming up with a solution.
"I'm appalled by the playground squabbling — I think that is the best way to put it between the State and Federal Governments," Ms Richter said.
"I'm aghast, really, at the level of childishness I feel is being demonstrated here."
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