The Federal Nationals in Government are continuing to back drought-affected communities, providing nearly $1.5 million in funding towards 39 new projects under the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together program.
Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader Michael McCormack said rural and regional Australia was continuing to show amazing spirit and resilience as they support each other through these tough times.
“Large parts of regional Australia have received some good rainfall over the past few months, with many farmers having the best start to the winter sowing season in years, but the drought is far from over,” Mr McCormack said.
“We are absolutely committed to standing side by side with these hard-working communities – whether it’s through drought, the recent bushfires or the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am glad to see these grants providing much-needed support to our hard-hit regional communities at such a crucial time, with this latest round of funding to be delivered to community groups.”
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed a $230,000 funding injection for communities at Boggabri, Condobolin, Dunedoo, Mungery, Narrabri, Mungindi and Tibooburra.
“The Tackling Tough Times Together program has a range of benefits, including keeping money flowing through our shops and suppliers, and creating jobs for communities which have been impacted by drought,” Mr Coulton said.
“In my electorate, projects to be funded range from the fit-out of a second studio at Narrabri’s community radio station, to support for early childhood program costs at Mungindi, right through to investing in community assets at Tibooburra.
“The Government is pleased to support the Foundation’s crucial work of stimulating regional economies while strengthening social connections in these country communities. Well done to the recipients in my electorate – I look forward to seeing the projects up and running.”
Federal Nationals Deputy Leader and Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said projects supported through the program helped rural communities cope with the stress of the drought on families and businesses while contributing to the local economy and infrastructure renewal.
“Many projects funded in this round will help reduce volunteer fatigue, enhance social participation and boost the operations of local not-for-profit organisations, which are all crucial to drought-affected regional communities,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We are proud to support the Foundation’s crucial work of stimulating regional economies while strengthening social connections in drought-affected communities.
“Standing together is important now more than ever and communities can be rest assured the Government continues to have their back, with money already flowing through rolling grants as part of our more than $8 billion Drought Support Package.”
More information on the $15 million Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website at www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs.
