What is Drought Force?
The then Prime Minister announced an extension to the Work for the Dole programme in December 2002 specifically aimed at providing assistance to communities severely affected by drought. This initiative is known as Work for the Dole—Drought Force.
Drought Force helps individual farms and farm communities that have been severely affected by drought. Drought Force aims to help farming properties with their workforce needs and to help keep the pool of farm labour from moving away from the region.
The Drought Force initiative operates in areas declared as Exceptional Circumstances (EC), as well as other areas eligible for Australian Government drought assistance. It primarily takes place on private land, usually local, drought affected farms. Taking part in Drought Force does not mean putting other workers out of a job.
Drought Force is designed to ease the burden of drought for farmers and their families and make sure that farms and properties are maintained and able to cope once a drought breaks. Drought Force also encourages people to remain in their local community, retaining and building local skills and supporting the local economy.
You can ask to be included in Drought Force if you have lost your job or are on a farm wanting assistance by contacting your local Community Work Coordinator (CWC). CWCs are contracted to the Australian Government and will help you with the application process.
For more information contact your local CWC, phone the Drought Force Hotline on 1800 004 226 or visit the web site workplace.gov.au/droughtforce.