Council eligible to apply for Drought Communities funding

Kyogle Council now eligible to apply for up to $1M in Commonwealth Government Drought Communities Program Funding

 On 27 September 2019, the Australian Government announced an extension to the Drought Communities Program.  The program is designed to provide an economic stimulus to drought-affected communities.

On 3 October 2019, Kyogle Council was included as one of the councils eligible for up to $1 million in grant funding for local infrastructure and drought relief projects.

It is important to note that Council being invited to submit an application for funding does not guarantee that an application will be successful.

Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said the Council, in consultation with the community, would now start the process of identifying suitable projects that meet the program guidelines.

The funding targets infrastructure and other projects that:

  • provide employment for people whose work opportunities have been impacted by drought
  • stimulate local community spending
  • use local resources, businesses and suppliers
  • provide a long-lasting benefit to communities and the agricultural industries on which they depend.

“I’m relieved we have been included in the program and finally identified as being in drought, something we have known for quite some time,” Cr Mulholland said.

“The current guidelines are very specific about what kind of projects are eligible. Those guidelines are in the process of being updated, and once they have been released by the Federal Government, we will have a better idea of how to proceed.

“We want to be able to put forward projects for funding that are of the greatest benefit to the community and have the best chance of being approved under the guidelines.”