Drought-hit farmers can improve water facilities quicker with plans to abolish application
FARMERS across NSW regional communities will be able to upgrade and build new water infrastructure “faster than ever” under new drought relief reforms that prioritise the highest risk areas.
NSW
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FARMERS across NSW regional communities will be able to upgrade and build new water infrastructure “faster than ever” under new drought relief reforms that will prioritise the highest risk areas.
The NSW government will today announce plans to slash red tape around its $1 billion Safe and Secure Water program by getting rid of the expensive and tedious application process — a barrier to drought-stricken communities in need of immediate funding.
It comes as The Daily Telegraph can reveal not-for-profit community groups in regional areas affected by drought will this week be able to apply for assistance under a $15 million federal government grants program.
The money, part of the Regional Drought Communities Small Grants Program, will help not-for-profit community groups deliver projects that reduce social isolation and promote leadership development.
The latest initiatives follow a string of funding commitments from both state and federal governments — the NSW government alone has announced more than $1 billion in drought support.
However, changes to the Safe and Secure Water Program, which ensures regional residents have access to high quality and affordable water, are significant.
It means local councils will be able to access funding for water infrastructure projects faster because the government will work with them directly, rather than making them apply.
And the funding will now be prioritised to address the highest risk areas first.
Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said streamlining the approvals process would ensure councils could reach their full potential.
“We are cutting red tape … for this funding so that councils have access to funding for critical water infrastructure when they need it,” he said.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the government wanted to see farmers through the drought.
“Our focus now is on future-proofing the state — not just farmers but also the regional communities that rely on them,” she said.
Meanwhile, the federal government will open the first round of applications for community grants this Friday.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said it built on more than $1.8 billion in additional drought support measures already delivered.
“This funding will support community-based activities to relieve current stressors and symptoms while also building capacity and resilience for the future.”
The distribution of the $15 million grant will be managed by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.
Mr McCormack said grants would be distributed quickly across all states and territories to regions affected by drought.