Brewarrina Shire Council has received a significant boost, with $495,000 approved from its $1.5 million allocation to build much needed infrastructure projects under the Coalition Government’s $35 million Drought Communities Programme.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said the three approved projects would boost economic activity and help create jobs in Brewarrina Shire.
“The funded projects by the programme will improve amenities for local residents and provide an economic boost by using local businesses and suppliers,” Minister Joyce said.
“Exclusion fencing will be constructed around the Brewarrina, Goodooga and Weilmoringle Airports to ensure the airstrips are safe for landing and departure at any time.
“The Brewarrina Racecourse Multi-Purpose Function Centre will receive $170,000 to upgrade facilities and build a BBQ preparation area.
“The Brewarrina Clay Target Club will receive $80,000 to build new amenities, upgrade safety fencing and paint the exterior of the club.”
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said the Drought Communities Programme was an important measure under the Coalition’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper to support communities in need.
“The Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper makes available nearly $3 billion over the next 10 years to provide farming families, farm businesses and rural communities with support to prepare for, manage through, and recover from drought,” Minister Nash said.
“In addition to the Ag White Paper measures, there is a range of government assistance available to help people prepare for and manage the impacts of drought, including concessional loans, income support through the Farm Household Allowance, more generous tax arrangements and free rural financial counselling.
“The Australian Government is urging anyone struggling with drought or other hardships to take up the assistance available,” Minister Nash said today.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said these projects would provide important employment opportunities at a time when they were needed most.
“When drought hits, it doesn’t just hurt our farmers, it also has impacts on other businesses.
“So I am delighted that we are able to deliver this practical assistance which will not only help businesses impacted by the ongoing drought but will also improve some of our local facilities which will benefit the entire community,” Mr Coulton said.
To find out about other support, visit agriculture.gov.au/assistance. For information on the Farm Household Allowance, call the Department of Human Services Farmer Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.
More information on the Drought Communities Programme can be found at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/dcp.
Media Contacts
For Minister Nash: Les White 0409 805 122
For Deputy Prime Minister Joyce: Kate Barwick 0408 072 809
For Mr Coulton: Amy Welham 0448 477 830
