Families and communities across the state's 33 fully drought-declared and four partially drought-declared local government areas will be supported with a grant funding package being delivered by the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister for Communities Coralee O'Rourke today (15 November) announced $5 million in grant funding to assist farmers, families, individuals and communities impacted by Queensland's ongoing drought.
"Most Queenslanders have felt the impacts of this devastating drought firsthand or seen the heartbreaking images on TV and social media," Mrs O'Rourke said.
"The impact of this prolonged drought has had a flow-on effect in our state's drought-declared communities, spreading from farms to businesses and households.
"We know that tradies, farming equipment retailers, owners and employees of cafes and local stores in our rural communities are feeling the impacts of the lack of rain.
"That's why we're providing this grant funding as a boost to regional, rural and remote communities.
"We want residents in drought-affected areas to spend and invest in their local communities during this trying time."
The grants form part of the Palaszczuk Government's $74 million drought funding package.
Community groups, not-for-profit organisations, local councils and school P&Cs are encouraged to apply for the grants, which they can use to deliver cash payments, goods or services to individuals, families and households impacted by drought.
"People and organisations already on the ground in these communities know what is needed to support them and lift their spirits, and how individuals and families who are doing it tough can best be assisted," Mrs O'Rourke said.
"Whether it's through cyclones or floods, or bushfires or drought, the Palaszczuk Government is committed to making sure communities can recover from the impacts of devastating weather events and build their resilience into the future."
Applications for the grants will open today, Friday 15 November and close on Friday 13 December.
The grants are available in 37 fully and partially drought-declared local government areas. Funding amounts range from $18,000 to $244,000 based on a rating system that considers the length of the drought and other relevant indicators in each area.
