Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Regional Services) Share this | Hansard source

The $75 million Drought Communities Program will allow 60 drought-affected areas across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria to apply for grants that help keep locals employed and money flowing into local shops and small businesses. These grants can be used by local governments to employ local contractors to undertake repairs and maintenance and to upgrade or build new community infrastructure and water projects for human consumption. We know locals know best. Local councils need the support to prioritise local projects and keep local economies going. I've written to eligible councils to advise them that we are finalising the grants process of this program, and it is an absolute priority for me as the new minister. One hundred and thirty-five local projects have already been funded since 2015-16. In the past, the program has helped communities like Blackall-Tambo, Walgett and Coonamble employ people and fund fencing programs, repairs and draining projects.