Applications for the Community Impact Program – Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative are now open.

Part of the Future Drought Fund, this program is investing in the future, enabling agriculture-dependent community to identify and act on their drought preparedness priorities at a grassroots level.

It will do this by investing in projects that seek to strengthen social and community networking, support, engagement, and wellbeing by delivering a tailored package of support.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said The Nationals are still fighting for you and this program is vital to ensure the region isn’t thrown into serious periods of drought seen just a few years ago.

“Community-based organisations will be eligible to apply for a grant of between $200,000 and $500,000 to strengthen community networks, capabilities and facilities that support drought preparedness.”

“Successful applicants will also be able to access tailored leadership development support for their communities delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation,” Mr Joyce said.

The Future Drought Fund was established by the former Coalition Government in 2020 and provides secure and continuous funding for drought resilience support across Australia.

More information on the Community Impact Program is available at www.frrr.org.au/impact-program or on the Future Drought Fund website www.agriculture.gov.au/fdf.