Residents of the Narromine Shire Council area will soon see funds flow for drought support, with $1 million 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 three more of their proposed local projects approved.

“I am so pleased to give the go-ahead for Narromine 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 in Narromine, Trangie and Tomingley, improve road safety and install bores. I know these projects will provide a much-welcome boost for locals and visitors alike, and I look forward to seeing them evolve.”

The approved projects include:

• $589,000 for the Community Infrastructure Enhancements project (Narromine, Trangie and Tomingley)
• $270,000 for the Drought Road Safety and Maintenance – grading and litter/debris clearing project
• $31,000 for the Local Economic and Social Stimulus project (installation of bores)
• $110,000 for the Community Economic Stimulus grants program (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 Narromine, 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: Narromine Shire Council Mayor Craig Davies with Member for Parkes Mark Coulton.