Residents of the Gwydir Shire Council area will soon see funds flow for drought support, with $469,735 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 had five more of their proposed local projects approved.
“I am so pleased to give the go-ahead for Gwydir Shire Council to deliver projects that will greatly benefit the community, especially in the current challenging dry times,” Mr Coulton said.
“Council will use this funding to rejuvenate community infrastructure across the shire including a recreational facility near the hospital and Naroo Aged Care Facility, revitalisation of the main streets in Warialda and Gravesend, and a clean-up along Reedy Creek.
“It was only recently that I visited Warialda as the Australia Day Ambassador, and I enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with the community. I know this funding will go a long way.”
The approved projects include:
• $231,635 for Warialda All Abilities Recreational Ground project
• $44,110 for Warialda and Gravesend Streetscape Improvements project
• $36,890 for Warialda Cemetery Toilet project
• $25,000 for Warialda Rail – Sportsground Clubhouse project
• $25,000 for Reedy Creek Foreshore Improvements project
• $107,100 for Warialda Airstrip Fencing project (announced in December 2018)
The DCP was extended last year to provide support of $1 million each to all 18 councils in the Parkes electorate including Gwydir, 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.
Photo Caption (L-R): Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Young Citizen of the Year Holly Phillips, and Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council John Coulton at Warialda’s Australia Day celebrations last month.
