BOULIA, Carpentaria and Quilpie Shire Councils have been added to the list of local government areas eligible to apply for funding through the Drought Communities Program.
After missing out in September’s funding announcement, Boulia mayor Rick Britton and Quilpie mayor Stuart Mackenzie travelled to Canberra to advocate for their constituents.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the Drought Communities Program had been introduced to generate greater economic stability in remote and regional areas impacted by significant rainfall deficiencies.
A total of 20 councils in western Queensland and northern NSW have now been declared eligible for the assistance..
“The Australian Government is providing $35 million over four years to fund local infrastructure initiatives in eligible drought-affected communities to build greater economic strength and sustainability,” Mr Truss said.
“Funding under the Drought Communities Program fosters projects that stimulate local community spending and employment, use of local businesses and suppliers, as well as those which offer long-lasting benefits to regional communities.
“The decision to extend the Drought Communities Program to these areas is based on consideration of a number of factors, including updated rainfall deficiency records provided by the Bureau of Meteorology to November 2015.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said they had heard the requests from those in the remote western districts and were doing their best to fulfil them.
“I am pleased that the Boulia, Carpentaria and Quilpie Shires in Queensland are now eligible to apply for funding to complete key infrastructure projects,” Mr Joyce said.
“There is also a range of other support measures available to farmers and residents affected by drought, including concessional loans and income support, as well as tax assistance and free financial counselling services.
“I have seen first-hand the impacts that drought can have on the livelihoods and wellbeing of residents in affected communities. I urge anyone struggling with drought and other financial hardships to talk to their local Rural Financial Counselling Service or the Department of Human Services to find out more about the support available.”
To find out about other support services, click here or for further information on the Farm Household Allowance call the Department of Human Services Farmer Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.
