Carrathool and Narrandera Shire Councils are among 21 local government areas that have been added to the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program (DCP).
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Through the DCP, the two councils will both be receiving new funding of up to $1 million in grants aimed at helping councils fund projects that will stimulate their economies in 2019.
The expansion of the DCP to encompass a total of 81 councils across Australia follows the National Drought Summit in Canberra.
During the Summit the coalition committed a $3.9 billion pool of infrastructure fund money from the federal budget to the government’s Future Drought Fund scheme, with the money previously having been intended for the NDIS.
Carrathool Shire mayor Peter Laird said that “council is grateful for the recognition and assistance of the government.”
“Under this program we can work to stimulate local community spending and provide employment by utilizing our local businesses and suppliers which will provide long-lasting benefits during this extended drought,” Councillor Laird said.
The scope of council projects which receive grants will be limited however, with Cr Laird saying “projects under this program must be completed by 30 June 2019, so council will discuss the funding criteria at the November meeting.”
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Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network is also set to benefit from the boost to the Future Drought Fund and will be receiving $1 million in federal government funding to help expand it’s mental health services, including a re-launch of the Network’s tele-health program Accessline.
Murrumbidgee Network CEO Melissa Neal welcomed the additional drought funding support for the region.
"We know drought impacts farming families financially, emotionally and physically, so this additional funding support for drought affected communities across the Murrumbidgee is welcomed,” Mrs Neal said.
"Our plan is to work with various partners across the region who are working directly with farming communities, to develop a well coordinated approach targeted to those who are most in need,” Mrs Neal said.
“Initiatives that are community informed are much better placed to have a meaningful impact on both farming families and local communities impacted by drought,” she said.
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