“We were probably a little bit confused about it because there was nothing in the criteria that even suggested the element of remoteness,” he said.

But after writing to Regional Development Minister Fiona Nash, the news that the shire’s application for Drought Communities Program grants had been approved finally came through this week.

Mr Mather said the council had now identified a number of major projects which the money would go towards, but could still not proceed unless the state government also came to the table.

He said the projects, including sporting precincts at Donald and Charlton, would come in at $11 million, and with communities contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars already, their fate now lay with Spring Street.

“For us, if there’s a shortfall council will carry it, and we simply can’t afford to carry it,” he said.

Mr Mather said the projects would be vital in maintaining morale in the municipality, which has suffered through two seasons of drought.

However, the funding also coincided with the end of an El Nino weather cycle some much needed rain.

“We’ve had a really good start to the year,” Mr Mather said.

“What it really means is what people have put in the ground I’d say will germinate, will all come up, and that’s as much as we can ask.”

The optimism was also shared by Jeffcott grain farmer Mark Donnellon, who is relying on a good season to stay afloat.

“We’ve had good rains and crops are going in beautifully,” he said.

“We should actually finish sowing today or, whether permitting, tomorrow, so that’s all positive.”

Ultimately though, all will depend on those positive conditions continuing through Spring, but Mr Donnellon is staying upbeat.

“By all reports the long-range forecast is saying that it’s optimistic, so that’s something we can hang our hat on,” he said.