The Federal Government has allocated an extra $81 million in funding for its Drought Communities Program (DPC) which offers eligible councils up to $1 million for projects and infrastructure that stimulate the economy of drought affected communities.
The Government has also increased the number of eligible councils from 60-81 local government areas.
Eligible Councils in this region include Blayney, Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, Mid Western Regional, Oberon and Parkes.
Funding will target infrastructure and other projects that:
- provide employment for people whose work opportunities have been impacted by drought
- stimulate local community spending
- use local resources, businesses and suppliers
- provide a long-lasting benefit to communities and the agricultural industries on which they depend.
View the Government’s full eligibility criteria here.
You can find a list of eligible Council’s here.
The project must be completed by 30th June 2019.
More information including application forms can be found by clicking on this link to business.gov.au.
On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme
On 26th October 2018 the Federal Government announced its establishing a $50 million On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme to provide financial assistance to primary producers in drought affected regions.
The scheme will assist with up to 25 per cent of costs associated with the purchase and installation of new on-farm water infrastructure to provide water for livestock.
It will provide support for on-farm infrastructure including piping, tanks, bores, troughs, pumps and fittings and desilting and for drought management activities to lessen the impact of drought on animal welfare and reduce grazing pressures on pastures.
The guidelines and detail of this Scheme are being finalised.