14 January 2020
The Southern Downs Regional Council met at a Special Council Meeting today to consider further submissions for the Drought Communities Programme – Extension funding available to the region.
These submissions are to be sent to the Drought Communities Programme representatives (AusIndustry) for consideration directly relating to the eligibility criteria.
Councillors weighed updated proposals as well as suggesting projects for inclusion.
Submissions will be sent to AusIndustry for considation include:
1. Community Infrastructure Projects - $600,000, offered through three streams:
a. Directly funded projects for community organisations that were unsuccessful under Council’s previous Drought Community Program which was open to expressions of interest in 2019. These projects will allow regional community organisations to undertake maintenance to halls, amenities, clubhouses etc.
b. High priority community infrastructure projects such as Killarney off stream storage cover or projects identified from the regional Urban Design Frameworks and endorsed Streetscape projects.
c. Expressions of interest from regional community organisations to undertake maintenance to community facilities including halls, clubhouses etc.
2. Shade structures in Council parks in rural villages - $200,000.
3. Pending rainfall and take up of funding for water carting, supply and delivery of potable water to rural landowners - $200,000, any unspent funds are to be reallocated to resolution (1) one above.
While these submissions are still pending approval, Southern Downs Councillors were all pleased with the nature of the submissions.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Tracy Dobie said that these submissions would bring a lot of long-lasting benefit to the region in the form of employment and amenities.
“The Drought Communities Programme funding is specifically designed to provide an economic boost to the entire region. The various infrastructure projects provide a great opportunity for local employment”
“I am looking forward to continuing discussions with the Federal Government about the prosperity of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt” said Mayor Tracy Dobie.
Residents are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest SDRC news by visiting www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/news , by calling 1300 697 372, or by following SDRC social media pages.