The Palaszczuk Government is supporting community groups, local councils, not-for-profit organisations and school P&Cs in Queensland's drought-declared communities with $5 million in grant funding available under the latest round of the Community Drought Support Program.
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said from Winton to Warwick, 67 percent of Queensland is now drought-declared and the opening of the $5 million grant round will assist these impacted communities.
"We know that Queenslanders living in the state's 41 fully drought-declared and four partially drought-declared areas are doing it tough and will continue to need our support," Minister Enoch said.
"The Community Drought Support Program grants form a part of the Palaszczuk Government's drought funding package of more than $50 million in 2020-21.
"The program will help recipients deliver food, vouchers, care packages, school breakfasts, assistance with bill payments and boost social connectedness in their communities by hosting events and activities.
"Drought affects more than just the farmers and agri-businesses in these communities and the grants will extend support to non-farming small business operators including local tradespeople and retailers."
In the previous round, 61 organisations shared in $5 million funding including recipients like the Charleville School of Distance Education P&C Association, the Tara and District Family Support Committee and the Longreach, Inglewood and Monto Show Societies.
Treasurer and Operations Chair of WQDC Inc. Jenny Coombes said people who have received the Community Drought Funding have really appreciated it.
"After long years of drought, finances are always a struggle. Being able to use these funds to clear some accounts or make a purchase they have been putting off really lifts their spirits," Ms Coombes said.
"I'd encourage organisations wanting to assist drought communities to apply for this funding as it becomes available."
Minister Enoch encouraged eligible organisations, groups and local councils to apply for the Community Drought Support Program funding.
"Many communities are now recovering from not only the drought, but also the impacts of COVID-19 on local tourism and trade in their towns.
"Just as we have supported Queenslanders through floods, cyclones and bushfires, the Palaszczuk Government will continue to support communities as they recover from devastating drought."
