Julie Collins MP 

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Minister for Small Business

Member for Franklin

The Hon Kristy McBain MP

Member for Eden-Monaro

The Albanese Labor Government has launched two new programs as part of the $519.1 million second phase of the Future Drought Fund, giving Eden-Monaro farmers and producers more opportunities to strengthen and prepare for drought.

The Resilient Landscapes Program and the Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices – Round 2 Program are open for the next eight weeks, providing potential applicants time to start thinking about, and preparing new projects.

The Resilient Landscapes Program focuses on practices and techniques to manage natural resources on farms, particularly regarding natural resources that can determine whether a property copes with dry weather.

The Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program looks at investigating new practices and technologies that will improve productivity in variable weather through evidence-based trials, co-designed with farmers.

These $40 million programs add to the success of existing projects that are building drought and climate resilience across our region.

They encourage Eden-Monaro farmers, producers, local governments, Indigenous corporations, and business to work together– leveraging local relationships and diverse expertise – to help secure funding for projects that will boost sustainability.

For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit:

Current Grant Opportunity View - GO7157: GrantConnect (grants.gov.au)

Current Grant Opportunity View - GO7165: GrantConnect (grants.gov.au)

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Our Government is fixing the Future Drought Fund and its objectives to get the very best results for farming families and communities.

“This will enable farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities to look at new ways to strengthen and prepare businesses for drought. 

“The two new programs opening for applications are a critical part of this.

“Drought in Australia is a matter of when, not if. It’s important that farmers look at all their options to prepare for will inevitably come in the future.

“I encourage all farmers to look at the criteria and see if they can take advantage of this valuable opportunity.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“Farmers and producers across Eden-Monaro work incredibly hard, and they know the stress and suffering caused by drought all too well.

“Our government is committed to supporting farmers and producers with practical solutions to better prepare for the impacts of drought.

“By focusing on long term change, we’re ensuring our farming communities across Eden-Monaro have a sustainable future.”