People living in the Rural City of Benalla and Strathbogie Shire will benefit from $2 million in additional Liberal and Nationals Government funding to support community infrastructure and other drought-relief projects through the expanded Drought Communities Program.
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the Drought Communities Program was helping to keep local economies going even through the tough times caused by the drought.
“This program is so important coming off the summer bushfires and now coronavirus because it helps keep people working, helps keep cash-flowing going and ensures that local businesses can keep operating,” Senator McKenzie said.
“This investment is a great local example of how the Nationals in government are delivering long-lasting benefits to communities and the agricultural communities on which they depend through investment in both the DCP and our broader drought support package.”
Benalla Rural City Drought Community Programme Extension will use $1 million for a range of projects which will see community facility and infrastructure developments and upgrades throughout the council area.
Projects planned for the Benalla local government area include:
- conversion of the Benalla Livestock Saleyards to holding yards;
- construction of a new Lakeside Precinct Outdoor Basketball Court on the Benalla Lake foreshore;
- upgrading electrical boards in two Council buildings (Benalla) and modification of the floor plan of the Senior Citizens Centre;
- upgrade to amenities (Benalla,Swanpool,Boweya);
- upgrades to the Benalla Indoor Swimming Pool including replacement of the pool shell liner and repairs to tiling;
- construction of an additional exterior public toilet and reconfiguration of the indoor toilet footprint at the Visitor Information Centre and Benalla Costume and Kelly Museum;
- establishment of a community grants based funding stream for Council’s rural communities to deliver upgrades, repairs, maintenance to local community facilities across the region and mental health events; and
- development of an Adverse Events Plan.
Strathbogie Shire’s Community Drought Stimulus Phase-2 identified seven projects its $1 million funding would support:
- water infrastructure upgrades at Miepoll and Sheans Creek with the provision of water tanks and improved access to standpipes;
- water piping from Lake Nagambie to Nagambie Recreation Reserve;
- renovation of the Euroa RSL Club building (construction of an outdoor entertainment area);
- replacement of a septic tank at Euroa Tennis Club;
- installation of a floating aquatic play park at Buckley Park, Lake Nagambie;
- upgrade to the Strathbogie Recreation Reserve Pavilion; and
- installation of a truck wash facility and rain water harvesting facility at Euroa Saleyards.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the program would create jobs for people struggling to find work because of drought.
“We’ve committed more than $8 billion to drought and that includes investments to make our communities resilient and better prepared for the next drought,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The $2 million we’re spending in Benalla and Strathbogie shires will run right through the community when workers have more money to spend at the local shops.”
$1 million has also been awarded to Moira Shire in the electorate of Nicholls for community infrastructure upgrades and improvements.
Further information on the program and a list of eligible councils is available at https://www.business.gov.au/dcp.