Rural communities, including Walcha, suffering drought conditions will be eligible for Commonwealth assistance as part of a new $333 million support package according to the Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce.
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Mr Joyce said the government investment was an acknowledgment of the difficulties being experienced by farmers and by the communities they help to sustain.
Northern Tablelands Local Land Services will receive $350,396 for wild dog, feral pig and rabbit control, while in the North West there will be $388,071 for wild dogs and feral pigs.
Social services funding will continue in: Walcha, Armidale Dumaresq, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Guyra, Inverell, Tamworth Regional Council, Tenterfield and Uralla councils.
Drought coordinators currently placed in Armidale and Tamworth will also continue, Mr Joyce said.
“It is critical these communities remain viable and that people stay in jobs so that they can take advantage of better conditions when the drought breaks,” he said.
Other funding includes $35 million for shovel-ready, local infrastructure and employment projects; $25.8 million to manage pest animals and weeds; and $20 million to expand existing social and community support programs.
