TATIARA District Council is likely to accept a $1m Federal Government grant for drought funding, Mayor Graham Excell says.
The funding is part of the government’s Federal Drought Communities Extension Program with five other councils offered the package.
This adds to the 122 councils across the nation which have already received $1m through the program and will receive another $1m during this round.
Speaking to The Border Watch yesterday, Mr Excell said the council has “for sure” made a decision on the package.
“We are meeting tonight (Tuesday) and will be discussing the matter as a late item on the agenda,” he said.
“We will make a decision and I believe we will accept.”
According to the Drought Communities Program guidelines, the funding supports “communities in the most drought-affected regions of Australia”.
The matter has been discussed in depth online, with many across the wider community expressing confusion with Tatiara’s eligibility for the relief funding.
Although Tatiara has received 60pc less rainfall than average, the agriculture community still seems to be thriving.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin attributed the strong conditions to the right amount of rain at the right time.
“Tatiara is not in drought,” he said.
“I have driven through on a number of occasions in recent weeks and paddocks are looking great.
“Innovative cropping techniques and rainfall at the right time has helped them through.
“The reality is they fit the criteria.
“They have only had 40pc of their average rainfall and with 29pc of the workforce in agriculture, it is important we give them this opportunity.”
Mundulla primary producer Trevor James said he would be surprised if Tatiara was classified as in drought.
“I am sure there are areas around the Tatiara that might be struggling,” he said.
“Definitely not the entire council area.
“We are south west of Mundulla and although it has not been the best year, we are not in drought.
“We have probably spent more money on feed and production has been down from last year, but it is all relative.
“You see some places in New South Wales who are heading into their third dry season and it is just heartbreaking.
“As long as everywhere that needs funding is getting it, I do not see why we should not benefit as well.”
Despite concerns the funding could go to more drought-ravished communities, Mr Pasin said the government has provided millions to councils through the program.
“122 other councils have already received $1m during the first round of funding,” he said.
“This means they receive another $1m through this round.
“The funding does not come at a cost to any other community.”
Mr Excell said in accepting the money, the council will also be able to apply for Building Better Regions Fund drought round and the Roads to Recovery fund.
“If we decline the money, we close ourselves off to other funding as well,” he said.
“We will obviously be in consultation with the community about where the money needs to be spent.
“We have 12 months to spend it so we need to make sure we have broad program that a lot of community members will benefit from.”
