ADDITIONAL DROUGHT FUNDING TO FLOW TO BAROSSA/BARKER

The Barossa Council will benefit from $1 million in Federal Government grants the Coalition Government’s Drought Communities Programme Extension.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said Council can now use the fund for local infrastructure projects and other drought-relief activities.

“This is the kind of boost towns in the Barossa need,” Mr Pasin said.

“We are here for communities doing it tough in the drought and will be here to support them for as long as it takes.

“This will support events that create jobs, boost tourism, improve community wellbeing, as well as building important local infrastructure.

“As the drought escalates, so does the Government’s response, as set out in our Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness Plan.”

Mr Pasin said an additional 52 councils would now receive up to $1 million under the extended Drought Communities Programme, with eligibility determined by rainfall data and both agricultural and broader employment information.

“Drought doesn’t just hurt farmers, it hurts small businesses and the wider community as well. This extra funding will help keep money flowing through drought areas of the country, like the Barossa.

A list of councils eligible for the program can be found at www.business.gov.au/dcp