Eligible drought-hit farmers in the New England will continue to receive payments of up to $3,000 throughout Christmas and the New Year.

As announced earlier today, the Federal Coalition Government has topped up the existing round of the Drought Community Support Initiative with an extra $33.2 million into the scheme.

This is in addition to the $33 million funding injection announced in September for the program.

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the funding boost will give local farming families some cheer this Christmas and New Year period.

“It will help put food on the table and help make ends meet for drought hit farming families in the New England,” Mr Joyce said.

“Farming families, farm workers, suppliers and contractors are among those eligible for the payment.

“St Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army will continue to deliver the scheme as they have boots on the ground and are best placed to distribute the funding.

“They also have the network to ensure money is in people’s pockets quicker.

“The Federal Government stands by our farmers in the New England and stands ready to step up as the drought continues.”

Residents in the Liverpool Plains and Tamworth Region local government areas should apply through the St Vincent de Paul Society on 1300 846 643 or at vinnies.org.au/droughthelp

All other residents in the New England should apply through the Salvation Army on 1300 551 030 or at salvationarmy.org.au/drought 

So far, the Salvation Army has delivered more than $1 million in grants under this scheme.

(ENDS)