The Southern Downs Regional Council says financial hardship funding is still available to drought-affected rural households through The Salvation Army and Federal Government’s Drought Community Support Initiative.
A spokeswoman said “farmers, farm workers, farm suppliers and farm contractors who have cash flow problems as a result of the drought may be entitled to receive a one-off payment of up to $3000”.
Mayor Vic Pennisi is encouraging rural residents impacted by ongoing drought to reach out to the Salvos and seek funding relief.
“These are very trying times and our community is drought weary,” Cr Pennisi said.
“Council encourages any rural residents severely impacted by the drought to reach out to the Salvos and find out what assistance is available to them.
“Our community is incredibly resilient and has stood stoically through hard times and I would like to remind those who are still feeling the impact of drought that accepting help is the strongest thing you can do.”
Eligibility is subject to the following criteria:
• Over the age of 18 years
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Live and/or work in the Southern Downs region
• Have not already received this payment from The Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul since 21 November 2019
Payments can cover numerous expenses such as groceries, vehicle maintenance, energy and utility bills, and health and medical expenses.
The Salvation Army has distributed over $31million of this funding to over 11,000 drought affected households since 21 November 2019, and are distributing more than $1.2million every three days.
Visit www.salvationarmy.org.au/drought for more information.
