Coonamble Shire Council has now received one million dollars in Coalition Government funding under the Drought Communities Programme (DCP), Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has announced.
Sharing the news from Council chambers today, Mr Coulton said he is delighted that the local projects have been funded.
“I am so pleased Coonamble Shire Council has been given the go-ahead to deliver projects that will greatly benefit the community, especially given the impacts of the current drought,” Mr Coulton said.
“I have fought hard to secure this funding for all local councils in the Parkes electorate, as well as the Unincorporated Area.”
The projects include:
• $338,628 for Coonamble community enhancement – upgrades and improvements to showgrounds and sportsgrounds in Coonamble and Gulargambone; fit out project for a Coonamble gym and installation of town entry signs:
– Coonamble Show Society – room dividers and display shelving
– Coonamble F.I.T Inc – concrete floor and toilet facilities
– Gulargambone Sportsground – repairs to toilet amenities block
– Gulargambone Showground – shed extension
– Coonamble Township – installation of town entry signs, electronic billboard
– Coonamble Sportsground – shed installation
• $79,676 for upgrades to Coonamble Showground facility – construction of three new grandstands at the Coonamble Showground, and upgrades to the showground’s existing PA system
Mr Coulton said improvements to the Coonamble Showground will be well-received.
“In country communities such as Coonamble, the showground represents an important place for locals to catch up at events like the annual show, which will be held 28 and 29 May this year. I’m very pleased DCP funding will be used to give this important venue a boost,” Mr Coulton said.
“A significant investment of $338,628 in community enhancement projects will fund infrastructure improvements in both Coonamble and Gulargambone. I look forward to seeing these wonderful projects evolve.”
Earlier in the year, Mr Coulton announced approvals for Coonamble Shire Council’s DCP projects including:
• $311,686 for Coonamble Shire facility upgrades and community beautification projects in Coonamble, Quambone and Gulargambone
• $150,000 for Coonamble Clay Target Club – development of a new shooting facility
• $120,010 for Coonamble Shire Council’s tourism initiative and improvements to established community assets
The DCP was extended last year to provide support of $1 million each to all 18 councils in the Parkes electorate including Coonamble Shire Council, 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.
Further updates on other successful council projects in the Parkes electorate will be made in the near future.
Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) with Coonamble Shire Council Mayor Al Karanouh.
