Farmers and rural and regional communities which have been suffering from drought will have access to the increased funds available from the Future Drought Fund. The fund will grow from $3.9 billion to $5 billion over the next decade, while facilitating a $100 million a year additional investment into drought resilience and preparedness, even in the good years, every year from 1 July 2020.
The Federal Government said it is backing farmers, and that he Future Drought Fund is about more than just money – it is about giving farmers the best possible tools to face drought, now and in the future.
A consultative committee will soon begin engaging with farmers and rural and regional communities to ensure the money is well spent when the additional funding becomes available from next year.
The Government will work to establish the Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee and put in place rigorous governance arrangements for the appropriate selection and prioritisation of projects.