New Drought Program Builds Community Resilience

The Albanese Labor Government has launched a new program to strengthen social resilience to drought across regional and rural Australia. Funding has opened for the Future Drought Fund’s $36 million Communities Program, which will be delivered through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the program aims to support rural communities before the next drought hits.

“We know our rural and regional communities impacted by drought are doing it tough, which is why we continue to work with them to boost their resilience,” Minister Collins said.

The program includes leadership development, capacity-building initiatives, and flexible grants designed to help communities prepare for and adapt to future dry conditions.

“We heard loud and clear from the farming industry about the importance of building long-term resilience — both on farms and throughout communities,” Minister Collins said. “These grants will allow regional areas to access support tailored to their individual needs.”

Applications are now open for Small Network Grants and Regional Drought Resilience Plan Social Outcome Grants. More details are available via the Future Drought Fund Communities Program website.