DROUGHT relief doesn't come around often, but this week $1 million has been gifted to Leeton.
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Member for Farrer Sussan Ley made the announcement on Wednesday, with the money to be given to Leeton Shire Council to help assist those experiencing the current dry period.
The money will provide a certain boost and it is is intended to provide short-term local employment and procurement, while also addressing any specific social or community needs.
"Importantly, this announcement also triggers extra personal household assistance for farmers, farm workers and suppliers or contractors facing hardship, with up to $3000 available to spend in the community to cover urgent bills such as food, petrol and utilities," Ms Ley said.
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"This is not a handout, it is simply offering a help during an exceptional dry period, and I urge anyone struggling locally to take advantage of this by calling St Vinnies on 13 18 12."
Drought conditions are continuing across NSW, with Leeton receiving 9.6m millimetres of rain so far this month, 28.4mm in February and 9.6mm in January.
Mayor Paul Maytom said the funding was good news for the many farmers who have had a tough year.
"This new money will be able to flow through to local small businesses and industry, and we look forward to delivering extra projects we ordinarily couldn't afford," he said.
"It will create additional jobs and, in turn, help improve spending in the local community."
The Drought Communities Program, which is where the funding has been allocated from, supports the most drought-affected areas of Australia.
A local government region is assessed using rainfall deficiency data from the Bureau of Meteorology, in conjunction with population and industry data (reliance on agriculture) to assess the overall economic impact of the drought in a particular region.
For more information visit https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/drought-communities-programme and for personal assistance information click here.
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