Media Release: NEW $250,000 BOOST FOR DROUGHT RECOVERY PROJECTS

FROM THE MINISTER FOR STATE & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2003

NEW $250,000 BOOST FOR DROUGHT RECOVERY PROJECTS

A new $250,000 package of grants for Victoria’s drought-affected regions was announced by the Minister for State and Regional Development, John Brumby, today.

Mr Brumby said the grants would support a wide range of community and economic development projects in Local Government Areas hardest hit by the recent drought.

“While farmers have suffered the worst and most immediate impacts of the drought, we recognise that residents of rural towns and whole communities have also been severely affected,” he said.

“The slowdown in the farming sector has affected small business and tourism and reduced business confidence and community spirit.

“This grant package will support projects to attract visitors, build up community networks and celebrate local achievements and historical milestones.

“Projects will include sporting events, arts and heritage festivals, community mentoring and leadership programs, market days and family workshops.”

Mr Brumby said Local Government Areas to benefit from the drought grants included:

· City of Greater Shepparton – Rural Community Mentoring Project for youth;
· Pyrenees Shire – Landsborough Summer Festival;
· East Gippsland Shire – East Gippsland Volunteers Celebration;
· Wellington Shire Council – Wellington Farmers’ Market;
· Gannawarra Shire – Loddon Mallee Young Professionals Leadership Program;
· Moorabool Shire – Ballan Autumn Festival;
· Benalla Rural City – Drought Recovery Breakfasts;
· Campaspe Shire Council – Rushworth Golden Gully 150th Anniversary Celebrations;
· Towong Shire – Man From Snowy River Festival; and
· Wangaratta Rural City Council – Wangaratta Community Conference.

Mr Brumby said the drought recovery grants would be provided through the Bracks Government’s Rural Leadership and Community Events Program.

“This program forms part of our strategy to promote social and economic development throughout Victoria,” Mr Brumby said.

“It provides assistance for local communities to foster events that reflect the spirit of those communities.

“This new package of RLCEP grants recognises that communities don’t only struggle to hold together during the drought – they also need recovery assistance even after the rains do come."

The extra RLCEP funding for drought recovery comes on top of the $2.5 million provided for the Bracks Government's Drought Social Recovery Strategy and $50 million in farm business support grants.

Mr Brumby said the Bracks Government would continue to closely monitor the impact of the drought on communities across Victoria and review assistance programs as needed.