Drought support boost for Bundaberg

Payments of up to $3,000 will be available next month to those worst-hit by the drought in the Bundaberg Regional Council area.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt welcomed the announcement that Bundaberg was one of 52 additional local government areas eligible for the Drought Community Support Initiative.

“This payment will be available to farmers, farm workers and farm contractors that are struggling because of the drought. This is to help put food on the table and fuel in the tank,” Mr Pitt said.

“The support comes on top of other drought support, such as the Farm Household Allowance providing assistance to farming families.

“Payments will be made available through the Salvos or Vinnies at the end of March.”

Minister for Drought David Littleproud said further drought relief support will also be available under a new Drought Community Outreach program.

“Under the new Drought Community Outreach program, the Country Women’s Association and Rotary Australia World Community Service would each receive a further $5 million to provide vouchers of up to $500 to farming households experiencing hardship due to drought,” Minister Littleproud said.

Led by the Coordinator-General for Drought, the Hon Shane Stone AC QC, the National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency is bringing a renewed focus to working in partnership with all levels of government, farmers, regional communities and small businesses, industry and not-for-profit organisations to respond to the current drought, as well as prepare for future droughts.

“CWA and Rotary will also partner with the National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency to support community outreach activities.

“Given the local knowledge and expertise in regional Australia possessed by members of the CWA and Rotary, it made good sense for the Agency to partner with them in its community outreach activities throughout 2020.”

The announcement takes the Government’s commitment of providing the DCSI to drought-affected farming households to over $180 million since 2018.