Federal Government funds continue to flow for drought support in Narromine, with a $110,000 project now approved under the Coalition’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP).
The DCP was extended earlier this year to provide support of $1 million each to all 18 councils in the Parkes electorate including Narromine, as well as the Unincorporated Area.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is delighted that Narromine Shire Council has had its first project approved under the DCP.
“I am so pleased that Narromine Shire Council now has the tick of approval to use this funding to commence a community grants program to boost the local economy,” Mr Coulton said.
“I congratulate Council on their strong project proposal, which will provide a wealth of long-lasting benefits for the town, especially in the challenging dry times.”
Mr Coulton said Council will use the funding to provide grants of between $10,000 and $20,000 for sporting, community and not-for-profit groups in the shire. The grants may be used for refurbishment of community infrastructure, including residential care, sporting infrastructure, club houses and disability access.
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.