Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (centre) with (L-R) Dubbo Regional Council CEO Michael McMahon, Mayor Ben Shields, Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets Manager Ross McCarthy, and Martin Simmons of Elders, at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets where DCP funding was used to expand shade sails over animal pens.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is thrilled Dubbo Regional Council has the tick of approval for its five proposed projects under a new round of the Coalition Government’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP) – Extension.

“The Coalition Government committed to delivering an additional $1 million each to every council in my electorate, including Dubbo Regional Council, under the DCP – Extension, so that we can get cracking on important local projects to stimulate community spending and support jobs,” Mr Coulton said.

“These grants are providing a critical cash injection at a time when drought has had an enduring impact on community morale and the local economy right across my electorate.”

In the Parkes electorate, Dubbo Regional Council’s projects to receive DCP funding include:

• $440,000 for drought resilient urban landscapes in Dubbo;
• $250,000 for new permanent horse stables and animal wash-down bays at the Dubbo Showground; and
• $10,000 for a council adverse event plan.

Mr Coulton said further funding has been allocated in the neighbouring electorate of Calare, including $250,000 for Wellington Caves Visitor Experience Centre – Megafauna Education Zone, and $50,000 for an outdoor living library room at the Wellington Library.

Mayor of the Dubbo Region Councillor Ben Shields said the projects will support the local community, provide work for people whose employment has been affected by drought, stimulate local community spending, and use local resources, businesses and suppliers.

“All the projects will be completed by 31 December 2020 and will complement our first three projects nicely,” Clr Shields said.

“Under Round 1, we used funding to secure Stuart Town’s water supply, build a new Dubbo CBD toilet facility, and expand the shade sails over animal pens at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets.”

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.

For more information, visit www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Drought-Communities-Programme-Extension

Background

• DCP – Extension funding is intended to provide short-term support, including by boosting local employment and procurement, and addressing social and community needs.
• DCP – Extension funding is available to eligible councils for local infrastructure projects and other drought-relief activities. All 18 councils in the Parkes electorate, as well as the Unincorporated Far West NSW region, are eligible under the program.