GrainGrowers has welcomed the announcement of almost $520 million in the Future Drought Fund programs to help regional communities better prepare to manage drought and other climate risks.
GrainGrowers General Manager Policy and Advocacy, Zach Whale said the Prime Minister’s funding announcement would bolster the existing program and would help support farmers get on the front foot in terms of preparing for adverse weather events.
Mr Whale said it was pleasing to see the government had listened to concerns raised in industry submissions to the Productivity Commission in 2023.
“Our submission made it clear that GrainGrowers supports expanding the funding principles to support resilience to climate change more broadly, on the proviso this expansion is facilitated by additional funding on top of the current allocation.''
Mr Whale said the increased funding will also assist individuals to obtain leadership training and mentoring, which is vitally important to help the resilience of our members and the broader rural communities.
“With parts of Australia now experiencing extremely dry conditions it is important that the previous underspending of the fund is avoided, with allocated funds spent in a beneficial manner.
Mr Whale said with the CSIRO projecting Australia’s time in drought is likely to increase over the coming years additional targeted funding and support was in the interests of rural producers and regional communities.
“Building climate resilience is a worthy objective and it is fitting that the Future Drought Fund is given bipartisan support to address this broader issue,” he said.
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Media contact: Chris Rowley
P: 0415 140 253 | Email chris.rowley@graingrowers.com.au