Regional Development Australia (RDA) Far West has employed a Drought Support Officer to oversee drought funding for the Unincorporated Area.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is delighted that the Federal Government has funded $72,973 for the position under the Drought Communities Programme (DCP).
“I am so pleased that with this funding, RDA Far West has engaged a support officer to manage grant applications and work with local proponents under the DCP,” Mr Coulton said.
“As a result of this position, the Unincorporated Area will be able to deliver a range of projects that will greatly benefit the community in the current challenging dry times.”
The DCP was extended last year to provide support of $1 million each to all 18 councils in the Parkes electorate 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 successful projects in the Parkes electorate under the DCP will be made in the near future.