13/10/2005 - Funding for the second Drought Recovery Round of the Australian Government Envirofund is doubling to $20 million from the initial $10 million.

Australian Government Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell and Australian Government Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator Ian Macdonald said this responds to the unprecedented demand for grants under the programme, providing additional support for the drought-ravaged farming community.

Senator Campbell said applications closed at the end of August for a $10 million Drought Recovery Round that was announced in May as part of a series of activities targeting drought affected communities.

"We've received a record number of applications from people in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas for drought recovery projects. That's why we are doubling the amount allocated to the Round so that more eligible applicants will receive funding," Senator Campbell said.

"Under the Envirofund Drought Recovery Round people in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas were invited to apply for grants of up to $50,000 for projects that aim to protect land, water, plant and animal life from the effects of the drought."
Senator Macdonald said successful projects will help protect our natural resources from the drought, assist with recovery preparations or attempt to prevent environmental damage when the drought ends.

"The next round of the Australian Government Envirofund - Round 8 - will open in February 2006," Senator Macdonald said.
"This will be a 'normal' round of the Envirofund, open to everyone and covering the entire range of environmental and sustainable agricultural projects including those targeting coastal areas. People in drought affected areas can also apply for the 'normal' round.
"Since it was launched in 2002 the Government has approved over 4,700 community-based Australian Government Envirofund projects and given away over $70 million in funding."