Special Envoy for Drought Assistance Barnaby Joyce has welcomed new grants to drought-affected towns, saying they're integral to their survival.
The federal government says rural and regional councils will be given 1-million dollars in extension grants as part of the Drought Communities Program.
The program has started receiving applications, with funds to be distributed from Thursday.
Mr Joyce has told Sky News the new investment will keep the money flowing to drought-affected areas.
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