10 September 2020
More drought relief funding will begin to flow into the region after the Southern Downs Regional Council announced that its submission for upgrades to community halls, clubhouses, parks, bores and water carting had been approved by the Australian Government.
Council received $1m through the Drought Communities Programme – Extension Grant to deliver a raft of important infrastructure projects to support local communities after being drought declared for more than two years.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said this funding injection will boost the region’s economic recovery by contributing to local employment and strengthening local businesses and services.
“The Drought Communities Programme – Extension Grant targets projects that ensure business continuity and stimulate community spending through local employment and the use of local resources, businesses and suppliers in the delivery stages,” Mayor Pennisi said.
Southern Downs Regional Council was announced as one of the eligible councils under the program in November 2019. Following the application lodgement in May 2020, funding agreements are now signed and Council looks forward to receiving project applications from community organisations.
This particular grant will support projects that deliver improved local amenity through the maintenance and enhancement of socially-valued community facilities.
“These projects are valuable to the region’s townships and their people as they enhance welcoming spaces for the community to meet and connect,” Mayor Pennisi said.
“Council is always looking for funding avenues to support the community, particularly at this crucial time. Securing this funding and all of the planned future projects shows, yet again, how important productive partnerships between Local and Federal Government really are for regional communities.”
Funding has been approved and allocated as follows:
· Stream A: Community Infrastructure Projects ($600,000) including upgrades to community halls, clubhouses and facilities, community bores in Freestone and Swan Creek and the completion of key projects identified in the Leyburn, Wallangarra and Maryvale Urban Design Frameworks.
· Stream B: Shade structures in Council parks ($200,000)
· Stream C: Funding for supply and delivery of potable water to rural landowners ($200,000). (In the event of widespread rains, any unspent funds may be reallocated to Stream A projects.)
Applications are invited from regional community organisations to undertake upgrades to community halls, clubhouses and community managed facilities. Full details on how to apply and frequently asked questions will be available on Council’s website from Monday 14 September 2020.
Additional information will be available in the coming weeks in respect to other identified projects. If you have an enquiry regarding the Community Drought Recovery Projects 2020, please refer to Council’s website, call 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or email mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au.