Residents of the Gilgandra Shire Council area will soon see funds flow for drought support, with $638,784 worth of projects now approved under the Coalition’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP).
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is delighted that Council has had four of their proposed local projects approved.
“I am so pleased to give the go-ahead for Gilgandra Shire Council to deliver projects that will greatly benefit the community, especially in the current challenging dry times,” Mr Coulton said.
“Council will use this funding to rejuvenate community infrastructure in Gilgandra, Curban and Tooraweenah, and hold a number of important community events in the Shire. The Tooraweenah Showground and the annual show also stand to benefit from this funding.
“I know these projects will provide a much-welcome boost for locals and visitors alike, and I look forward to seeing them evolve.”
The approved projects include:
• $314,978 for Gilgandra community infrastructure – renovations and repairs to Tooraweenah CWA rooms; Curban Hall and Wellness Centre; Gilgandra Speedway; Little Athletics Club; Tooraweenah Cricket Oval; Gilgandra Basketball Stadium
• $223,931 for the Tooraweenah Show and Showground initiatives – infrastructure improvements; free entry for visitors
• $50,000 for Gilgandra footpath upgrades
• $49,875 for Gilgandra community events including Gular Rugby Season Launch and Mental Health Awareness Day; Family Dust Buster Days; Gilgandra Jockey Club New Year Carnival
The DCP was extended last year to provide support of $1 million each to all 18 councils in the Parkes electorate including Gilgandra, 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.
Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Gilgandra Shire Council Mayor, Doug Batten.