The Nationals in Government are continuing to work hard on delivering real support for drought-affected communities.
NSW Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said there was a lot of help on the table, with emergency assistance to maintain town water supplies, ongoing financial support for farmers and regional communities, keeping teachers at drought-affected schools, as well as greater transparency and a review into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“I want our farmers and small businesses in this region to know that support is available and it will continue in the long term,” Mr Anderson said.
“We will be standing side-by-side with our drought-affected communities, ensuring they get the support and assistance they need to get through what has become the worst drought on record.”
Real help on offer
The NSW Nationals in Government have a $1.8 billion drought relief package, including:
- $185 million for on-farm relief including transport rebates for fodder, stock and water and the waiving of annual land rates;
- $36 million to support rural and regional communities including mental health, sporting grants, money for preschools and skilled pathway opportunities;
- $55 million for water infrastructure projects, emergency water carting, improving town drinking water, reducing water wastage and rebates for water licences; and
- $170 million to fast-track shovel ready projects in drought-affected communities.
Action at all levels
The Federal Nationals in Government have also been working hard to deliver drought relief, with a new $100 million boost recently announced – on top of more than $7 billion already provided.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Nationals Leader Michael McCormack said the new package would provide an immediate boost at the local level as well as work for people who had been affected by drought.
“We are delivering $33.42 million to resume the Drought Community Support Initiative, which will deliver up to $3000 to eligible farming households experiencing hardship due to drought,” Mr McCormack said.
“And we are providing a $13 million extension to the Drought Community Programme to deliver support at the local government level where it counts.
“Thirteen Local Government Areas will be provided up to $1 million for local infrastructure and drought relief products.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack
Getting things done
Whether its drilling emergency water bores or carting water to ensure no town runs out of water, keeping teachers in drought-affected schools or funding job-creating projects, the Nationals in Government at all levels are doing whatever they can to support our regions.
As this unprecedented drought continues to bite, more will need to be done, and The Nationals will be there to do it.
