Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging organisations, farmer groups and individuals with innovative ideas to build drought resilience to apply for grants of up to $200,000.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr O’Brien said applications are now open for the $10 million grants component of the Liberal Nationals Government’s Natural Resource Management Drought Resilience Program.

“Grants of between $20,000 and $200,000 are available for delivery of a range of on-ground activities that build drought resilience through improved Natural Resource Management,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Natural Resource Management Drought Resilience Program forms part of the first round of investments the Australian Government is making through the $5 billion Future Drought Fund to help farmers better prepare for dry times.

“This program will help farmers and producers adopt new technology and innovative practices to deliver practical, on-ground outcomes that contribute to landscape-scale drought resilience,” Mr O’Brien said.

“As an example, innovative projects that regenerate groundcover can aid drought resilience by improving the soil’s water infiltration and storage capacity, which in turn reduces run-off and associated water and wind erosion,” Mr O’Brien said.

“These projects will continue to deliver lasting benefits, even during the good years, by helping to lift the productivity and profitability of the agriculture sector, and enhancing the sustainability of farming practices.”

Interested organisations, farmer groups and individuals can now apply via the Community Grants Hub.

Applications close 30 October 2020.