$3000 Support Packages Available

January 23, 2019

Drought-affected farming families and employees in the South Burnett have been encouraged to access help through the Federal Government’s $30 million Drought Community Support Initiative.

Community Support packages of up to $3000 per household – including up to $2000 in cash and $1000 in vouchers – are being distributed to people in drought-declared Local Government Areas.

“A fundamental part of this support is that vouchers are to be redeemed at local businesses,” Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said.

“This injection of money in rural and regional communities will help boost local businesses because it is not just farmers who are doing it tough during this crippling drought.”

Eligible Local Government Areas include the South Burnett, Toowoomba and Somerset council areas.

Regional Services Minister Senator Bridget McKenzie said getting practical support to those facing financial pressure because of the severe, long-term drought was a top priority.

“I am pleased to confirm the $30 million Drought Community Support Initiative is up and running,” Senator McKenzie said.

“It provides immediate assistance to at least 10,000 farming households facing hardship because of the drought.

“We are continuing to work with trusted not-for-profit organisations and I am pleased that The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society and Rotary Australia World Community Service are delivering this assistance on behalf of the Liberal & Nationals Government.

“These community organisations are experienced in delivering cash and vouchers and, importantly, can provide immediate relief across all of the eligible Local Government Areas.

To be eligible to receive this assistance, an individual from a household must be 18 years or older, a farmer, farm worker or farm supplier/contractor who lives or works in one of the 81 eligible Local Government Areas and suffering financial hardship as a result of the drought.

The Drought Community Support Initiative was announced by the Federal Government at the National Drought Summit on October 26 last year.