Local MP Darren Chester is encouraging Gippslanders to seek a share of a $10 million fund to help prepare for future droughts.
Farmer groups and organisations as well as individual producers can now apply for grants of between $20,000 and $200,000 to improve the resilience of agricultural land during drought.
“Producers in Gippsland have endured a tough few years and, while conditions have improved, many still haven’t had the rain they need,” Mr Chester said.
“Droughts are a fact of farming life in Australia so our government is supporting a range of on-the-ground activities to help better prepare for future dry conditions.”
Grant applications opened this week for the $10 million National Resource Management Drought Resilience Program.
The grants are available for on-the-ground activities that build drought resilience through holistic management and using new or existing technology and practices.
The successful projects will deliver lasting benefits by helping to lift the productivity and profitability of the agriculture sector, while also enhancing the health and sustainability of agricultural land.
The Natural Resource Management Drought Resilience Program is part of the first round of investments the Australian Government is making through the $5 billion Future Drought Fund.
Interested organisations, farmer groups and individuals can now apply via the Community Grants Hub. Applications close 30 October 2020.
For details, visit http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund
