John McVeigh
August 19, 2018
The South Burnett is one of 60 councils which will be invited to submit projects to the Federal Government’s extended Drought Communities Program.
Local Government Minister John McVeigh announced on Sunday an extra $75 million would be released to provide immediate relief to communities most seriously impacted by the drought.
The new funding will initially offer $1 million in grant funding to 60 eligible drought-affected councils in Queensland, NSW and Victoria to provide immediate and short-term support for their communities.
Councils will be invited to submit appropriate projects which address local conditions and needs.
The program will prioritise projects that use local businesses to the greatest degree possible.
Mr McVeigh said the funding would be provided this financial year to address local needs.
“We know drought is felt as hard on the main street as it is in the back paddock which is why our drought response is designed to help farmers as well as the towns and communities that surround them,” he said.
The funding will deliver flexibility for councils to choose projects that will have the biggest impact.
These can include:
- Employing local contractors to undertake repairs and maintenance
- Upgrading or building new community facilities
- Holding events and undertaking drought-relief activities
- Carting potable water into communities for drinking and bathing
“This is a terrible drought affecting the livelihoods and well-being of our farmers and regional communities, particularly those in NSW and Queensland. This fund targets those most seriously impacted by the drought,” Dr McVeigh said.
“We need to continue doing all we can to ensure these communities have the support they need to make it through the tough times.”
Eligible Queensland councils are: Balonne, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall Tambo, Bulloo, Boulia, Diamantina, Flinders, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, Longreach, Maranoa, McKinlay, Murweh, Paroo, Richmond, Quilpie, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Winton.
