The Drought Resilience Funding Plan has been tabled in Parliament outlining how the proceeds of the Future Drought Fund should be spent. Minister for Drought, David Littleproud, said the plan directs drought funding to be used in ways that will build drought resilience and preparedness while enhancing farm production and profits. The funding plan aims to provide a more consistent approach to drought funding that is both straight forward and easy to understand.

“This will make sure the Future Drought Fund gets the best bang for buck,” Minister Littleproud said. “The plan sets out how we should strengthen long-term drought resilience in rural communities.”

Utilising information gathered from extensive talks and meetings with 690 members of the public, the plan was constructed with the advice of the independence Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee.

Chair of the Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee, Brent Finlay, said the Plan is a framework for considering appropriate drought resilience projects and activities, stating that, “During our six weeks on the road, the Committee heard from many farmers, regional natural resource managers, researchers, industry groups, banks and charities at many locations around the country.” Brent went on to explain that each region has its own stories, challenges and ideas about how this plan might be able to guide the development of certain programs to lift agricultural productivity while building drought resilience.

The Future Drought Fund began at $3.9 billion with earnings to be reinvested until the balance reaches $5 billion. It will provide $100 million every year from July 2020 for new investment in drought resilience and preparedness

The NSW Business Chamber’s December Business Conditions Survey confirms business confidence has taken a hit due to the combined impact of bushfires, drought and weak household demand.

“Business confidence is down right across the State,” said Western NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager Vicki Seccombe. “Our survey underscores the impact of broader economic challenges such as drought and weak consumer spending which were hurting businesses even before the bushfires.”

Vicki Seccombe went on to say that “the Far West and Orana results are very much in negative territory and the Central West is slightly better but still in the same negative territory.” She continued, “the results are particularly disappointing because the latter part of the year normally offers a welcome boost to business trade.”

The data shows that a large proportion of the most recent personal income tax cuts are not being spent. Dismal revenues are indicative of weak household spending and while the bulk of the labour market is yet to suffer to effects of the decrease in revenue, there are still a number of businesses reporting that they have had to shed staff, a number that is set to increase.

It is imperative that Forbes residents continue to support local businesses as they provide both economic growth and employment. Forbes itself has been a great example of resilience and generosity in supporting local businesses, and vice versa, with many businesses also giving back to the community.

With many grassroots initiatives being started in recent times like Buyfromthebush, Stayinthebush and #stuffthedrought movements, which encourage Australians everywhere to visit and spend in rural communities, it is comforting to know that we are not forgotten. Vicki Seccome stated that “we look forward to further initiatives to help economic recovery and business confidence in affected regions.”

The recent media commentary has concentrated solely on the devastating fires our state has experienced. Drought affected farmers do not want the Government to forget about the relentless drought they are still experiencing.

“The Federal Government has promised a significantly relaxed criteria for farmers to access $75,000 of Commonwealth grants for those in fire-affected areas,” says Forbes Shire Mayor, Phyllis Miller, “This is very generous but the feeling here in drought affected NSW is ‘What about us?’”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited Orange last month to announce a “measly amount” of assistance to farmers. Mayor Miller confronted him on the realities of the drought, suggesting the federal government step in by giving farmers relief in the form of rate assistance in drought affected communities. Unfortunately, this suggestion by the Mayor of Forbes seemed to fall on deaf ears, with the Prime Minister palming the political football off to the state, saying that it is the responsibility of the state to provide such assistance.

“We want our Prime Minister to lead by example and give direction to the state, especially concerning the drought. The current drought conditions will affect our whole country for many years to come, he has to understand this.”

Mayor Miller congratulated Deputy Premier John Barilaro for his continued support. “The transport cost rebates and waiving of Local Land Services rates has been a huge relief for farmers.” Adding that “Mr Morrison must understand this drought is affecting our whole community, farmers and businesses alike. Fire and drought are both natural disasters and we need national solutions to both.”

The coalition has promised $2 billion for bushfire recovery, with the understanding more may be given to rebuild community infrastructure. It is reassuring to see the federal government give their support to disaster ravaged communities and hopefully it will extend to supporting communities devastated by drought.

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Forbes Shire Youth Week Awards. This year NSW Youth Week will be held from 1st – 9th April, with the awards ceremony on Saturday, 4th April. The Youth Awards are for people aged 12 to 25-years-old who can be nominated for the following categories:

Youth Citizenship Award: For a young person who has had an active and positive role in our community. Contributions can include ongoing volunteer work or taking a lead role in organising events including charity work.

Sports Volunteer Award: For any young person who volunteers or contributes to Forbes’ sport and recreation. The young person may assist with refereeing, coaching, setting and packing up, mentoring and canteen duties.

Brighter Future Award: For apprentices, trainees or students who demonstrate strong commitment, consistent effort, a high level of passion and determination for their chosen field/career path.

Nominations will close at 5pm on Friday 20th March 2020. Nomination forms are available on Council’s website or you can collect a form from Youth Officer Sarah Williams at Council’s Administration Office.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan congratulates stroke survivor Kevin English on his 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award

Time is running out to nominate an inspirational person in your community for the Stroke Foundation’s 2020 Stroke Awards.

The Stroke Awards are held annually and recognise individuals who have gone above and beyond to make life better for people with stroke. These include carers, stroke survivors, researchers, health professionals, volunteers and members of the community.

Winner of the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award, Kevin English, said it was a tremendous honour to be named as a finalist in his category, let alone win the award.

“There are so many people in the community striving to make the future brighter for people impacted by stroke. I was thrilled to be recognised for my volunteering efforts at Stroke Foundation,” Kevin said.

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. It happens in an instant and its impact can be devastating.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said Kevin was a wonderful example of someone strongly committed to raising awareness of stroke and prevention. Kevin’s contribution has included volunteering with the Stroke Foundation for six years. He was trained as a StrokeSafe Ambassador in 2013, is a member of the Stroke Foundation Consumer Council as well as assisting Safer Care Victoria.

The 2020 Stroke Foundation Stroke Awards run across six categories: Improving Life After Stroke Award, Creative Award, Fundraiser of the Year Award, Courage Award, Volunteer of the Year Award and President’s Achievement Award.

Winners will be announced at the Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Awards ceremony in Melbourne on 5th May.

Nominate for the 2020 Stroke Awards here or contact the Stroke Foundation Awards Team on (03) 9670 1000. Nominations close today, Friday, 14th February 2020.