Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) pictured with Moree Plains Shire councillor Lisa Orchin at the Weemelah Hall.

Agricultural communities in the Parkes electorate will benefit from more than $48,000 to help them better prepare for drought thanks to the Coalition Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said three organisations in the Parkes electorate have received funding under the second round of the Networks to Build Drought Resilience program, which will further support community led projects to build local drought resilience in Condobolin, Narrabri and Weemelah.

“Congratulations to Central West Farming Systems, Community College Northern Inland and Weemelah Hall, which have each received funding to bring people together for networking opportunities,” Mr Coulton said.

“Weemelah Hall has been awarded $18,832 in funding to beautify its yard. The hall is a central meeting place for the community, and these improvements to the outdoor facilities will enable it to continue to host various meetings and events.

“Central West Farming Systems in Condobolin will use its $16,210 grant to host a one-day conference, bringing together rural women and young leaders with agricultural industry experts to discuss personal, rural and drought resilience. This event will provide the opportunity for participants to network and seek guidance and mentorship to deal with the impacts of difficult times, including drought.

“A $13,731 grant has been provided to Community College Northern Inland to support improvements to the Namoi Women’s Shed so that it can be used as a venue for training and collaboration, helping the community to meet and develop skills and social connections.

“By strengthening our social networks and boosting community collaboration, we can better prepare our rural communities for future droughts.”

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Networks to Build Drought Resilience program focuses on local initiatives to enable agricultural communities to be better prepared for the impacts of drought.

“Building drought resilience here in the Parkes electorate benefits the entire Australian agriculture sector,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The stronger individual communities are, the more robust our industry becomes as a result.”

Through this second round of the Networks to Build Drought Resilience program, $5.2 million in value will delivered on-ground to help prepare for drought. The $5.2 million is made up of $2.3 million from the Future Drought Fund, $0.8 million in funding raised by the FRRR and $2.1 million in cash and in-kind co-investment from grantees.

The program is being delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

Fast Facts:

• The Networks to Build Drought Resilience is a program under the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund.
• The Future Drought Fund provides a secure, continuous funding of $100 million per year for drought resilience initiatives.
• FRRR is a non-profit organisation focused on building the local networks and capabilities that underpin vibrant and resilient rural and regional communities.