Drought Program includes Upper Horton

20th August 2021

UPPER HORTON, NORTH STAR, COOLATAI AND BOOMI SHARE DROUGHT RELIEF FUNDING

The Australian Government is continuing to back drought-affected communities, with projects across the nation to receive a share of more than $1 million under the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s award-winning Tackling Tough Times Together program.

The Northern Slopes Landcare Association will receive $16,975 for its delivery of the Rural Women’s Catch-up events in drought affected communities of Upper Horton, North Star, Coolatai and Boomi.

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said the project aims to encourage more local involvement in the community by delivering a series of workshops in the Gwydir and Moree Plains areas, to help reduce social isolation.

“The Coalition is pleased to support the Foundation’s critical work of supporting drought-affected communities, as the

regions continue their recovery from the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and effects of natural disasters,” Mr Joyce said.

“The Tackling Tough Times Together program has a range of benefits, including facilitating strong social cohesion, reducing volunteer fatigue and stimulating the local economy, which in-turn create capable communities and skilful leaders within our regions.”

“This funding is being delivered directly to grassroots, community-led initiatives to benefit local communities that have been hardest-hit, providing immediate support as we continue to weather the impacts of the pandemic,” Mr Joyce said.

“The Australian Government’s $15 million commitment to the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together Program is already supporting hundreds of projects run by local groups.”

Mr Joyce said, “While we’ve seen good rainfall in some parts of Australia, the impacts of drought are long-term and far-reaching, which is why it is vital the Government continues to back our regions to support a more secure and resilient Australia.”

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said a number of projects would deliver outcomes that boost community identity and sense of place, which is crucial for the wellbeing of Australia’s rural and remote communities.

“The Tackling Tough Times Together program is a rolling grants program and I encourage drought-affected communities to apply for the next open round of funding.”

More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found on the Foundation’s website at https://frrr.org.au/TTTT or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications’ website at www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs