Better shade for the local saleyards, and improved amenities for CBD shoppers are on the cards for Dubbo, with $440,000 worth of projects now approved under the Coalition’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP).

Making the announcement from the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets today, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he is delighted that Council has the tick of approval for two of their proposed local projects.

“I am so pleased to give the go-ahead for Dubbo Regional Council to deliver projects that will greatly benefit the community, especially given the current challenging dry times,” Mr Coulton said.

“Council will use $195,000 in DCP funding for shade sails and associated infrastructure at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, which will enhance the amenity and growth of this important facility. Standing here at the saleyards today, it’s not difficult to see what a positive difference this project will make.

“A further $245,000 under the DCP will be used by Council for a public, accessible toilet, changing room and associated infrastructure in Dubbo’s CBD.

“The DCP is about stimulating spending and providing long-lasting benefits in the local community, and I look forward to seeing these projects evolve.”

Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Ben Shields, has welcomed the funding announcement.

“The provision of Drought Communities Programme funding has been of enormous benefit for the Dubbo Regional Council,” Clr Shields said.

“Projects including upgraded facilities at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, and a new public toilet for Dubbo’s CBD shoppers, each have strong merit for this region, and I thank the Federal Government for providing this support.”

The DCP was extended last year to provide $1 million each to all 18 councils in the Parkes electorate including Dubbo, 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 Dubbo Regional Council Manager Saleyards and Showground, Ross McCarthy, and Mayor of the Dubbo Region, Ben Shields at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets on 14 February.