The Gunnedah Racecourse has a new lease on life, with an automated sprinkler system now in place thanks to funding under the Coalition Government’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP).
Gunnedah Shire Council has now received a total of $944,651 under the DCP, with a range of projects underway across the shire.
“I’m very pleased to see these fantastic improvements at the Gunnedah Racecourse, made possible with $81,330 under the DCP,” Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said.
“I’ve fought hard to secure DCP funding for every one of the councils in the Parkes electorate, as well as the Unincorporated Area.
“Gunnedah Shire Council has many exciting projects underway as a result of this funding, and it’s wonderful to see the enormous difference these grants are making to the community.
“These projects are already lifting community morale, and providing a boost to the local economy.”
Gunnedah Shire Council Mayor Jamie Chaffey is pleased with the upgrades.
“Thanks to the recent installation of an automated sprinkler system, the racecourse is looking the best it has in many years,” Cr Chaffey said.
“I’d like to thank our local Federal Member, Mark Coulton, and the Commonwealth for the Drought Communities Programme initiative. The Gunnedah Shire has seen many benefits as a result of funding awarded through the program – with the Gunnedah community and Jockey Club being a huge benefactor.”
A full list of Gunnedah Shire Council projects being funded under the DCP include:
– $259,448 for upgrading Gunnedah Shire’s water and hall assets – Five projects to generate long term environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits for the shire, including Mullaley Memorial Hall upgrade (air-conditioning and internal fit out); a new bathroom block at Emerald Hill; new rainwater tanks at Curlewis Hall; new tanks and hot water system at Piallaway Hall & Reserve; water bottle refill station and drinking fountain for Gunnedah’s main street.
– $34,469 for Gunnedah Shire Band Hall upgrade – solar panels, stage carpet, modern catering facilities and improving accessibility.
– $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’)
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.
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
Photo Caption (L-R): Kevin Edmonds, President of Gunnedah Jockey Club; Mark Coulton, Member for Parkes; Cr Rob Hooke, Deputy Mayor of Gunnedah Shire Council; and Kathryn Blinman, Vice President of Gunnedah Jockey Club at the Gunnedah Racecourse today.