The Carroll Labor Government is helping regional communities prepare for future drought.
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle today announced grants are now open for Phase 2 of the Future Drought Fund’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning program, jointly funded with the Federal Government.
Phase 1 delivered Regional Drought Resilience Plans for all nine regions supported by $3.42 million for more than 47 activities to develop those plans.
Nine regions will each have access to up to $1.55 million to deliver local drought resilience projects.
Thes regions include Barwon, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Mallee, Loddon Campaspe, Ovens Murray and Wimmera Southern Mallee.
The funding will turn Regional Drought Resilience Plans into action, building on $3.42 million already invested in more than 47 activities across the nine regions.
Agriculture Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from regional organisations and businesses to coordinate the program in each region.
Up to $5 million will also support projects tackling drought challenges shared across regions.
The program is part of more than $66.8 million jointly invested by the Victorian and Federal Governments in drought preparedness and resilience for Victorian farmers and communities through to 2029.
It builds on the Caroll Labor Government’s $146.5 million Drought Support Package, helping farmers and regional communities manage dry conditions now while preparing for future drought.
Expressions of interest for Regional Drought Resilience Plan Coordinator roles close Monday, 16 November.
For more information and to apply, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/futuredroughtfund
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle
“Farming has always meant dealing with the weather, but a changing climate and El Niño are making the seasons more uncertain and the old patterns less reliable.”
“We can’t control the weather, but we can help farmers prepare for it.”
“This funding is about helping farmers get ahead of the next drought.”
