The Australian Government is continuing to support drought-affected regions, with a project in the Capricornia electorate sharing in over $1 million in federal funding under the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s award-winning Tackling Tough Times Together program.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the Government continues to back rural and regional communities doing it tough. This latest round of funding will strengthen the capabilities, connections and wellbeing of drought-affected communities.
“The Tackling Tough Times Together program has a range of benefits, including reducing social isolation, developing leadership skills, addressing disadvantage, reducing volunteer fatigue and stimulating the local economy,” Ms Landry said.
“In the electorate of Capricornia, the successful project is the Creche and Kindergarten Association Middlemount’s Solar-Wise Childcare Project.
“This will support climate resilience and the sustainability of this community childcare centre through the installation of solar panels.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the latest round of funding will help communities continuing to address the devastating impacts of drought.
“Even though many parts of the country have received significant rainfall, the impacts of the extended dry periods and prolonged rainfall shortages are still prevalent and problematic. This funding will inject much needed support into local communities and contribute to their ongoing economic recovery from drought” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The additional stress and challenges caused by COVID-19 and the ongoing effects from last year’s bushfires make our $15 million in funding since 2018 all the more vital.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the Australian Government’s $15 million grant to the FRRR Tackling Tough Times Together program helps to rebuild the local economy of drought-affected areas.
“Many of these projects will help enhance community wellbeing and strengthen the local economy,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This includes enhancing the silo art attraction at Paringa (SA), constructing a large sculpture featuring the Carnaby Black Cockatoo in Moora (WA), and delivering infrastructure works in Purnong (SA).
“Applications for the next round of the Tackling Tough Times Together program are currently open, and I strongly encourage drought-affected areas across remote, rural and regional Australia to apply.”
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.
