Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed today’s Coalition commitment to a $5 billion Future Drought Fund to further support farmers in Hume and local communities.

Mr Taylor said the Fund would start with an initial $3.9 billion investment and grow to $5 billion over the next decade.

“It will provide funding for community services and research, as well as assist in the adoption of technology and infrastructure, through capital initiatives,” he said.

Mr Taylor also outlined the Government’s $15 million investment in the Regional Drought Communities Small Grants Program and urged eligible community organisations to start applying for the funding.

“We have been listening to how to best assist communities affected by the drought, like those in Hume, to pull through these difficult times.

“Small grants will be available to not-for-profit community groups to deliver projects in drought affected regions. The grants are for projects that focus on reducing social isolation, leadership development and skills training, social and educational participation, addressing disadvantage caused by the drought, reducing volunteer fatigue, building capacity and supporting local economic recovery.

“The first round of applications for community grants will be open from today, Friday 26 October 2018, and I encourage community organisations across Hume to apply.”

Further information on the program may be found on the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities website at www.infrastructure.gov.au.

The Federal Government will also give $30 million to major charities to provide support to at least 10,000 households facing hardship, to help individuals and families struggling from the impact of the drought.

Mr Taylor said today’s announcements built on more than $1.8 billion in assistance measures and concessional loans to support drought-affected farmers and communities.