A high-priority drought relief project is progressing in the Snowy Monaro Regional Council in New South Wales, with funding approved to flow under the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP) Extension.
Minister for Drought David Littleproud said he was pleased to see the local project is ready to move forward.
“The Australian Government is providing $1 million to the Snowy Monaro Regional Council to support upgrades and improvements to local infrastructure,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The project will provide long lasting benefits for the Snowy Monaro community which has been significantly impacted by the drought.”
Nationals Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey said this funding will help the region get back on its feet.
“Despite the recent welcome rains, we know the financial impacts of drought are still a major factor within the community,” Senator Davey said.
“Programs like this, built on local needs and delivered by local councils, are key to supporting local jobs and local economies.”
“This funding will not only stimulate the local economy, but also provide work for people whose employment may have been impacted by drought.”
Project works include upgrades to the Cooma Truck Wash and Bombala Caravan Park, installation of new play equipment at the Ginger Leigh Playground precinct in Bombala, and development of an Adverse Events Plan.
Minister Littleproud said now more than ever, the Government is proud to support regional Australia during the added challenge of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
“The Government is aware of the added challenges presented by COVID-19. Communities should rest assured the Government continues to have their back, with an economic and health support package of $507 billion in assistance announced to date,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This includes the $2.8 billion package to assist local government in the delivery of priority projects with a focus on roads, community infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
“Under this package, the $1.5 billion Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, and the bringing forward of $1.3 billion from the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payments will help communities battling the effects of COVID-19.
“DCP Extension projects, such as Snowy Monaro’s, deliver immediate cash injections to communities to help keep locals employed, businesses open, money flowing through drought-affected regional economies.
“The Government is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our regional and rural communities who have been doing it tough through drought and will be here to support them through dedicated initiatives such as the DCP Extension.
“Drought doesn’t just hurt farmers; it hurts small businesses and the wider community as well, but with DCP Extension funding we can keep money flowing through areas that have been affected.
“So far, the DCP Extension has funded over 500 projects, such as the construction of local tourism assets and amenities blocks, delivery of a potable water supply, community resilience events and employing local drought support officers.”
