- Two competitive grant rounds opened today for the Networks to Build Drought Resilience and Drought Resilience Leaders programs.
- Successful providers must have specialist expertise and capability to deliver the program activities tailored to regional needs across the nation.
- Part of the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund.
Two competitive grants rounds opening today worth $11.2 million will go towards building and maintaining drought resilience throughout Australia.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the programs funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund would provide vital support for farmers and communities in regional Victoria to prepare for future drought events.
“The $5 billion Future Drought Fund provides secure, continuous funding for drought resilience initiatives,” Senator Henderson said.
“It helps farms and communities prepare for and deal with the significant economic, social and environmental impacts of drought.
“We know that community networks and leaders play a critical role in supporting people in rural and regional communities prepare for, and live through, times of drought.
“Our $3.75 million Networks to Build Drought Resilience program is about strengthening the community networks and facilities that can help people when the next drought inevitably comes.
“Our $7.45 million Drought Resilience Leaders program will support young and emerging leaders from across a range of sectors to develop, share and apply their skills and knowledge within their community, building a national drought resilience leadership capability.”
“The programs are closely related and provide support to regional and rural communities as part of the broader objectives set out under the Future Drought Fund and the Drought Resilience Funding Plan“.
The programs will be managed by external providers who have specialist expertise to deliver the program activities tailored to regional needs.
“These competitive grant rounds will select providers to deliver these programs, connecting communities and building stronger networks to support wellbeing and resilience,” Senator Henderson said.
“Applications are open to single organisations and consortiums. We’re looking for providers that can provide national reach, but also respond to regional needs”.
Applications close 25 September 2020, and successful providers are expected to be announced later this year. To apply visit the Grants Connect website: www.grants.gov.au
The programs form part of the first, foundational, year of the Future Drought Fund, and will be built on by subsequent investments from the $5 billion Fund.
For more information about Future Drought Fund programs visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund
31 August 2020