Drought community support available

Published on 02 April 2020

Gannawarra Shire residents involved in farming and those who work within the rural sector of the municipality are eligible to apply for support from the Federal Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative.

Overseen locally by The Salvation Army, the Drought Community Support Initiative provides financial help for farmers, farm workers and suppliers/contractors facing hardship due to drought.

“Despite the current Coronavirus pandemic, the ongoing drought continues to impact on our local farming families, farm workers, suppliers and contractors,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Drought support remains available for residents involved in agriculture who are impacted.

“More than $26 million of funding has been distributed through the Drought Community Support Initiative to around 9,000 drought affected households since 21 November 2019.”

People over the age of 18 who either live and/or work within the Gannawarra Shire and have not received this payment since 21 November 2019 are eligible to apply for a one-off payment of up to $3,000. 

“The maximum amount a household can receive is $3,000. If more than one eligible household member resides in the same residence, the total assistance provided to the household cannot exceed $3,000,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“Payments can cover numerous expenses such as groceries, vehicle maintenance, energy and utility bills as well as health and medical expenses as examples.”

To apply, please visit www.salvationarmy.org.au/drought or phone 1300 551 030.  

For more information regarding other drought support available, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/drought