Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is pictured with Colin Cuell, Building Services Manager Gwydir Shire Council, outside the building in Warialda which will be renovated to establish a Youth Hub using funding under the Drought Communities Programme (DCP) – Extension.
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is thrilled Gwydir Shire 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 Gwydir Shire 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, Gwydir Shire Council’s projects to receive DCP funding include:
• $270,000 for streetscape improvement works in Warialda (tree planting and installation of bins, street furniture, disabled footpaths, ramps and hand railings)
(project funding to be shared across both Warialda and Bingara streetscape works);
• $100,000 for renovating a disused building in Warialda to establish a Youth Hub; and
• $60,000 for upgrades to the Koorilgur Nature Reserve by rerouting the existing walking track and installing signage and other improvements.
Mr Coulton said further funding has been allocated in the neighbouring electorate of New England, including $80,000 for upgrades to the Upper Horton water supply and $490,000 for the construction of a new swimming pool in Bingara. Bingara will also benefit from the streetscape improvement funding listed above.
General Manager of Gwydir Shire Council Max Eastcott welcomed the news.
“Council is excited to have the ability to expand upon the wonderful work that was completed in the first round of the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme,” Mr Eastcott said.
“These five community works projects enable Council to once again employ residents who are affected by the drought, and outsource specialist work to local businesses.
“These projects will have a positive impact on our community with an initial direct injection of funds along with an ongoing contribution to the economic activity of our shire.”
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.