Drought Hub Funding to boost Industry Resilience

The Federal Government has opened applications for an $86.7 million funding program aimed at strengthening drought preparedness across rural and regional Australia.

Seven Drought Resilience Hubs will operate across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, southern Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Australia, with successful providers to manage the hubs through to mid-2032.

The hubs are designed to connect farmers and communities with regional experts, new technologies and practical tools to help prepare for, manage and recover from drought.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins says drought is a question of when, not if, and investment in preparedness remains critical for farming communities.

The funding forms part of the Government’s broader Future Drought Fund, which supports long-term resilience initiatives, alongside more than $1.3 billion committed to rural support and drought programs since 2022.

Applications for the latest round of hub funding close August 10, with more information available at www.communitygrats.gov.au