DROUGHT RELIEF FOR COOTAMUNDRA-GUNDAGAI AND JUNEE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS

Cootamundra-Gundagai and Junee Councils will each receive $1 million in drought relief funding through the latest extension of the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme.

Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the funding could be used to boost local employment opportunities, stimulate local spending and address social and community needs.

“This funding will certainly give the Cootamundra-Gundagai and Junee local government areas a much-needed boost,” Mr McCormack said.

“We know the drought continues to tighten its grip on our local communities which is why our focus remains on assisting these regions where we can.

“We are continuing to listen to our regional and rural communities and we are working hard to deliver the help these areas so desperately need.

“The Federal Government is working to ensure our regions get through this prolonged dry spell and have the tools to not only support local residents and businesses through the drought, but to help the local community recover when the drought breaks.”

The addition of Cootamundra-Gundagai and Junee local government areas brings to 11 the number of Riverina electorate councils now included in the Drought Communities Programme.

Hilltops and Lockhart councils were added to the programme in November 2019, Temora Shire was added to the programme in September last year and before then Parkes, Forbes, Cowra, Weddin, Coolamon and Bland were included.

The latest round of funding is a part of a $57 million support package for farmers, small businesses, families and schools in drought-affected communities across Australia, including an additional
$10 million to ensure families affected by drought are further supported to continue accessing education.

The Government will continue to monitor conditions and take necessary action as the drought escalates.