The Unincorporated Area of Far West NSW is again reaping the benefits of the Commonwealth Government’s Drought Communities Program (DCP), with most projects funded under the second round now complete.
The Federal Government provided $1 million in funding to the Unincorporated Area of Far West NSW under the DCP – Extension for projects in Tibooburra, Little Topar, Packsaddle, Milparinka and Silverton.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was joined by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Far West CEO Michael Williams and Tibooburra Village Committee Chair Dan Hough in Tibooburra today for a visit to the completed pump track – one of the many projects now benefitting locals.
“The DCP – Extension funding was 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,” Mr Coulton said.
“It’s fantastic to be in Tibooburra today to see just how this funding is making a real difference out here.
“The pump track looks fantastic and I believe it has been very popular with local children, giving them a place to get together and be active.
“Through this DCP funding, and the work of RDA Far West has done in managing the grants application process, we have been able to deliver this important assistance to the areas that need it.”
In addition to the installation of the pump track at Tibooburra, some of the other projects being undertaken through this funding include:
- Upgrades to the Milparinka Sports Club to replace the dance floor and extend the building to provide additional space for the community and visiting services
- Significant upgrades to the Packsaddle Community Sports Hall to enable the community to better cater for events
- Additional gateway signage and the installation of trees, irrigation and story boards in Silverton to support the village’s growing visitor economy.
- The installation of 10 kilometres of water pipe from the dam to provide permanent water to the community hall and showgrounds at Little Topar.
RDA Far West CEO Michael Williams said the projects delivered through this round of the drought funding are exciting and valuable projects, identified by the individual communities in the Unincorporated Area and their respective village committees.
“The communities have come together and collaborated to develop one single application covering the entire Unincorporated Area,” Mr Williams said.
“It’s really been a pleasure working with these communities and being part of a very pragmatic approach to growing not only their individual communities but supporting each other to ensure every community could achieve their priority projects.”
RDA Far West Project Manager Leesa Zupanovich said it’s been rewarding working with these communities to realise projects that have been on their radar for many years.
“Our entire team and the community of Tibooburra are thrilled about the installation of a pump track,” Ms Zupanovich said.
“Working with the community and the village committees to develop projects that enhance liveability and support economic growth has been very positive and I know the communities are excited about the completion of these projects.”
Dan Hough, Chair of the Tibooburra Village Committee said the developments being completed in Tibooburra are fantastic projects.
“The installation of a pump track in Tibooburra is creating real excitement in the community with the town’s young people,” Mr Hough said.
Mr Hough said the community will also realise long-awaited efficiencies and greater water security from the significant work undertaken to upgrade the community’s water treatment plant and upgrades to the Thompsons Dam Pontoon and a new water line.
“It’s been really terrific working with RDA, some of the projects they have undertaken over the past couple of years have made a fantastic difference across the entire community,” Mr Hough said.
“It’s a great model; RDA brought all the communities in the Unincorporated Area together a couple of years ago and developed a model that provides support and far greater outcomes across the entire region.
“They consult with the village committees, develop the funding applications, manage the projects and complete the required reporting.
“It’s a fantastic outcome and they do a great job.”
