TWO million dollars in Australian Government funding will be spent across Banana Shire to stimulate local spending and provide employment in communities impacted by the drought.

The funding comes from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development’s Drought Communities Program.

The first round of funding, $1 million, was announced in September after northern parts of the Banana Shire’s were drought declared – resulting in the entire Shire falling under drought declaration status.

Earlier this month, the Federal Government announced that an additional $1 million in drought relief funding would be made available to Banana Shire.

Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier said Council was extremely grateful for the $2 million boost.

“While this money won’t break the drought it will help inject money into the local economy through employment and use of local businesses and contractors at a time when everybody is doing it tough,” Cr Ferrier said.

“The money has to be used on infrastructure and projects that provide employment for people whose work opportunities have been impacted by drought; stimulate local community spending; use local resources, businesses and suppliers; and/or provide a long-lasting benefit to communities and the agricultural industries on which they depend.”

Banana Shire councillors developed a list of 26 projects that has been submitted to the Australian Government for final approval.