The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more than $36 million in new support to help farmers and producers prepare and respond to drought.
The Future Drought Fund Communities Program has been extended for another four years, with $36 million in new support from the Government.
This funding will help enable people in agriculture-dependent communities to build and maintain their social resilience to drought.
The program aims to improve social outcomes, build leadership, fund community projects and help communities find better ways to work together.
The programs will be delivered by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF).
The Albanese Labor Government will also be providing an extra $800,000 to Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) providers in South Australia and Victoria.
This funding will contribute to more financial counsellors on the ground so more farmers and small related businesses have access to free and independent financial counselling support.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"The Albanese Labor Government understands that so many South Australian farmers are doing it tough with these harsh conditions, which is why I have made this visit a priority.
"We know drought doesn't just impact farmers - it can flow out to the rest of the community, with small businesses, local groups and not-for-profits all feeling the strain.
"I'm so pleased we've been able to continue the valuable work of the FDF Communities Program, because it recognises the way people in rural Australia work together and gives them the means to put their ideas into action.
"It's also great that we're able to provide funding for more Rural Financial Counsellors.
"This is practical, real support - these counsellors live in regional communities and understand the conditions and financial stressors people are experiencing.
"Building drought resilience is critical, but when conditions get really tough it's important that we can provide support. We've seen increased demand for our South Australian and Victorian RFCS providers, and I'm really pleased that we can provide this extra support to boost capacity.
"In my role as minister I've seen how strongly rural communities pull together, especially when times are tough. We are providing support to make a difference when people need it most."
