Residents of the Gunnedah Shire Council area will soon see funds flow for drought support, with $650,734 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 now had five of their proposed local projects approved.
“I am so pleased to give the go-ahead for Gunnedah Shire Council to deliver projects that will greatly benefit the community, especially in the current challenging dry times,” Mr Coulton said.
“Council will use their DCP funding to hold local events and upgrade community infrastructure right across the shire, in turn creating employment opportunities.
“I know these projects will provide a much-welcome boost for locals and visitors, and I look forward to seeing them evolve.”
The approved projects include:
• $394,151 for water standpipes across the Gunnedah Shire – installation of automatic water dispensing units in Gunnedah, Mullaley, Tambar Springs and Curlewis
• $81,330 for sustainable racecourse improvements for Gunnedah Jockey Club – installation of automatic watering system
• $80,619 for Lake Keepit Sailing Club – clubhouse extension and facilities upgrade
• $53,651 for Gunnedah Water Tower Museum Vietnam War Memorial Mural
• $40,983 for two country music events in Gunnedah – supported by the Gunnedah Show Society and Gunnedah Rugby Club (‘A Day with the Devils’ and ‘5th Annual Country Music Muster’)
Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor, Jamie Chaffey, has welcomed the funding announcement.
“The provision of Drought Communities Programme funding has been of enormous benefit for the Gunnedah Shire Council, and offers advantages for the entire community,” Clr Chaffey said.
“The delivery of these projects will mean our shire is in a better position to deal with the effects of drought now and into the future, and I applaud the Federal Government on this initiative.”
The DCP was extended last year to provide support of $1 million each to all 18 councils in the Parkes electorate including Gunnedah, 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.
