Broken Hill City Council’s $772,915 project proposal to upgrade part of Brown Street has received the tick of approval under the Coalition’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP).

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is delighted that Broken Hill City Council’s local project has been funded.

“I am so pleased to give the go-ahead for Broken Hill City Council to deliver a project that will greatly benefit the city, especially in the current challenging dry times,” Mr Coulton said.

“Council will use DCP funding of $772,915 to seal one kilometre of Brown Street on the northern side of the city, in turn creating employment opportunities and benefits for the entire community.

“This project will address drainage and corrugation issues, and will allow local residents and visitors to travel safely and comfortably.”

Broken Hill City Council Mayor, Darriea Turley, has welcomed the grant.

“Council welcomes the funding to be able to complete the Brown Street upgrade. This grant provides an opportunity to progress another infrastructure project in the city at a time when drought is having an impact on the regional economy,” Clr Turley said.

The DCP was extended last year to provide support of $1 million each to all 18 councils in the Parkes electorate including Broken Hill City Council, as well as the Unincorporated Area.

The DCP – Extension is targeted at projects that stimulate local community spending by using local resources, businesses, suppliers and workers, or provide long-lasting benefits for communities and agricultural industries.

Minister for Regional Services, Local Government and Decentralisation Bridget McKenzie said despite the impact of natural disasters, rural and regional Australia continues to punch above its weight in the nation’s economy.

“We know when our regions are strong so is our nation,” Minister McKenzie said.

“With regional Australia accounting for around two-thirds of our exports and employing hundreds of thousands of Australians, supporting these communities now is a small price to pay to ensure we keep the economy growing.”

Funding is available to eligible councils for local infrastructure projects and other drought-relief activities. Project funding is intended to provide short-term support, including by boosting local employment and procurement, and addressing social and community needs. For details on the DCP – Extension see https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/drought-communities-programme

Further updates on other successful council projects in the Parkes electorate will be made in the near future.