Expressions of interest - Eligible Primary Producers to apply for the Gladstone Region Drought appeal funding.

⁠⁠⁠Gladstone Regional Council (GRC) is seeking expressions of interest from eligible primary producers to apply for funds raised from the Gladstone Region Drought Appeal.

The Gladstone Region Drought Appeal was launched in November 2019 to raise vital funds to support primary producers in the Gladstone Region doing it tough due to prolonged drought.

The appeal raised $40,000 after closing at the end of February 2020, with $32,000 coming from GRC, Gladstone industry and the community, and $8000 coming from the Gladstone Branch of The Salvation Army.

Council’s fundraising efforts included the Christmas Street Party, Santos GLNG Mayor’s Carols, New Year's Eve and Australia Day events and the Super Rugby pre-season game played in Gladstone on 14 January between the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels.

The Super Rugby game generated the largest amount of funds, with $15,621.75 coming from ticket sales and tin donations.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett, who launched the appeal, thanked the generosity of the Gladstone Region community, the businesses who contributed and The Salvation Army for their support.

“The response to the Gladstone Region Drought Appeal has been fantastic, and thanks to the generosity of the community, we have been able to raise a considerable amount of money that will assist our valued primary producers,” Councillor Burnett said.

“The Gladstone Region was drought declared on 1 May 2019 following a substantial decline in rainfall, but despite some encouraging falls in January and March 2020, conditions on the land remain challenging.

“In order to aid our friends on the land, Council is encouraging eligible primary producers located within the Gladstone Region to express their interest in accessing a portion of funds raised for the appeal.

“This expression of interest window is now open and will close on 31 July.”Cr Burnett said the grant amount was yet to be decided, with a figure to be determined based on the number of expressions of interest received by eligible primary producers.

“The Salvation Army have very kindly supported Council and will undertake the application and grant allocation process and have committed to a series of dates to connect with primary producers across the region,” he said.

“Following the expression of interest process, applicants must attend one of the scheduled Drought Appeal Roadshow events to receive funding.

“The expression of interest application must be completed to receive funding and applicants must bring proof to the Drought Appeal Roadshow to support their eligibility.”