Relief for East Coast towns affected by drought has arrived, alongside an apology for it not coming sooner.
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Nationals MHR Barnaby Joyce visited St Marys on Thursday to announce $1 million in Drought Communities Programme funding for both the Break O'Day and Glamorgan Spring Bay councils.
"I apologise if it should have come sooner," Mr Joyce said.
"It's so important that we understand that throughout our nation, and Tasmania being a crucial part, there are areas that have been dealing with drought.
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"It is not just a drought for the people on the land, it's a drought for the people in towns who rely on the money that comes from the land."
The program supports communities in drought stricken areas of the country through providing funds for infrastructure projects, boosting employment, and addressing the needs of the community.
The projects to take place will be decided upon by each council.
The Nationals MP was joined by Tasmanian Nationals senator Steve Martin and Break O'Day mayor Mick Tucker.
Cr Tucker said the council was "ecstatic".
"We've only just become aware that we were eligible for this funding, so we will be prioritising some of our major projects that are going to make a difference to our communities," he said.
He said communities in the Fingal Valley needed to be able to hold their heads up high knowing the money would be spent well to create projects, jobs, and opportunities.
"It's got to be about keeping the town alive, not just the farmers," he said.
"Real funding" for two additional projects in the region was also announced by Senator Martin.
The council received $400,000 towards a St Marys flood mitigation project and $500,000 for the restoration of the Fingal Community Centre.
Both are projects the council had been working on for years.
Senator Martin said an additional $2.1 million in funding for a Georges Bay walkway was also in the works.
"If this was Wheel of Fortune, I'd say 'come on down'," Cr Tucker said.
He said the council was "extremely fortunate", and thanked Senator Martin for his efforts in securing the funding.