Tehan: Drought funding a win

Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is confident his electorate, which includes Ararat and Stawell districts, will ultimately benefit from the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Mr Tehan said the fund would give farmers and communities across Wannon and beyond the tools they needed to prepare for inevitable periods of drought.

“The programs will give Wannon farmers the tools they need to be successful and to keep providing Australia and the world with high-quality products that contribute to our nation’s security and prosperity,” he said.

Mr Tehan was commenting in response to Agriculture, Drought and

Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud, who said the $3.9-billion investment fund, which would grow to $5-billion, would build resilience and provide the tools farmers needed to prepare for, manage and sustain their businesses during and after drought.

“The long-term, sustainable investment will make $100-million available each year for projects which will help farmers build resilience,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The first eight programs set the foundation and will enable us to be agile and adapt as we go forward and continue to listen to people on the ground.

“The programs have been developed based on expert advice from an independent consultative committee, led by Brent Finlay, a fourth-generation farmer, as well as valuable input from communities and industry during last year’s national public consultation tour on the Drought Resilience Funding Plan.

“This includes assistance in farm business planning, greater access to information for decision-making, adoption of research and technologies, and building the drought resilience of natural resources such as soil and vegetation in agricultural landscapes.

“Communities will also benefit through improved regional planning, strengthening networks, leadership and community capabilities and small-scale infrastructure projects.”