Coorong District Council has now delivered nine projects through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme using an initial $1 million of Federal funding announced in September 2019.

Coorong District Council’s Mayor Paul Simmons said of the nine initiatives Council announced in January 2020 as part of the Phase 1 Drought Communities Programme, all have been delivered by the 30 June 2020 deadline. These projects included:

• Tailem Bend Street Sealing;
• Coomandook Footpath Upgrade;
• Meningie Footpath Upgrade;
• Meningie Lions Jubilee Park Power and Lighting Upgrade;
• Sherlock Public Toilet Upgrade;
• Peake Public Toilet Upgrade;
• Raukkan Gallery Restoration;
• Tailem Bend Cricket Clubrooms fit-out;
• Cemetery Upgrades at Peake, Coonalpyn, Tintinara, Meningie and Tailem Bend.

Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, said Coorong District Council was one of 11 eligible councils across the Barker electorate allocated Federal funding to undertake projects in drought affected communities.

“I’m extremely proud that I can point to a diverse range of projects across the Coorong District Council that are making a real difference to many of the small communities here,” Mr Pasin said.

“These projects are increasing local employment, stimulating the local economy, and improving services and amenities across the Coorong council area. It’s brilliant to see this first $1 million delivering for the community and I look forward to seeing projects under the second $1 million achieving simular outcomes.”

Coorong District Council partnered with the Federal Government to use its initial $1 million grant to deliver a range of projects across many of the local communities it represents.

Mayor Simmons said Coorong District Council and the community were grateful to the Federal Government and Mr Pasin for their support of community projects in these challenging times.

“I would also like to acknowledge the work of the local volunteers and thank them for their support; their assistance and dedication was instrumental in developing projects such as the Peake and Sherlock toilets,” Mayor Simmons said.

The Drought Communities Programme supports communities in the most drought-affected regions across Australia and builds on more than $7 billion of drought support measures provided by the Federal Government.

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 boosting local employment and procurement, and addressing social and community needs.

For more information on the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme visit: https://regional.gov.au/regional/programs/drought-communities.aspx.

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Contact:
Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au