Drought Force
Drought force is an Australian Government program operating in Exceptional Circumstances declared areas that helps farmers and rural communities retain and build the skills of their local workforce during drought.
How does it work?
Drought Force involves volunteers and people from the local community who have lost their job due to drought. People involved in Drought Force work together on private farms or public land in activities such as:
- maintaining irrigation channels
- hand feeding and watering stock
- upgrading community facilities.
People receiving income support who choose to make a significant contribution to local farms affected by drought by participating in Drought Force for more than 30 hours each week will not have to look for work or make regular contact with Job Services Australia or Centrelink. Additionally, a supplement payment of $20.80 per fortnight will be available to people on income support who are participating in Drought Force.
How can primary producers and community organisations get involved?
You can ask to be included in Drought Force on your farm or on public land by contacting your Job Services Australia provider. This person is contracted to the Australian Government and will help you with the application process.
For more information about Drought Force contact your Job Services Australia provider, phone 1800 004 226 or visit the Drought Force website.
If you are uncertain whether you live in an Exceptional Circumstances declared area or are eligible for other Commonwealth drought assistance measures, you can contact the Centrelink Drought Assistance Line on 13 2316.
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