Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) with Brewarrina Shire Council Mayor Phillip O’Connor and General Manager Jeff Sowiak at the council chambers recently.

Brewarrina Shire Council’s proposed local projects have received the green light to be funded under the Coalition Government’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP) – Extension, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has announced.

Mr Coulton said he was thrilled an extra $1 million would be injected across the shire to fund a range of exciting initiatives.

The news follows Mr Coulton’s announcement last week that Bourke Shire Council would also receive $1 million in DCP grants.

“The Coalition Government committed to delivering an additional $1 million to every council in my electorate, including Brewarrina, under the DCP – Extension, so that we can get cracking on important local projects to stimulate community spending and support jobs,” Mr Coulton said.

“These grants are providing a vital cash injection at a time when drought has had a major impact on community morale and the local economy right across my electorate.

“We’re also dealing with the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re working to ensure our communities are supported through the difficult times.

“I’m very pleased that Brewarrina Shire Council can now invest in these exciting projects, including the creation of a skate park for Brewarrina, the continuation of the grid safety program and the refurbishment of the children’s splash pool at the Brewarrina Memorial Pool.

“I know that these community-based improvements will make a positive difference right across the shire.”

General Manager of Brewarrina Shire Council Jeff Sowiak said Council was thrilled with the grant.

“The Drought Communities Programme has been a lifeline for our contractors and businesses. Utilising the funds for projects such as the grid replacement program not only improved road safety but provided a great benefit to our farming community,” Mr Sowiak said.

“The skate park was inspired by local Brewarrina school children petitioning Council, so it was fantastic for the Commonwealth Government and Council to work together to build that park and get things done for our community.”

The DCP – Extension is targeted at projects that stimulate local community spending by using local resources, businesses, suppliers and workers, or provide long-lasting benefits for communities and agricultural industries.

For more information, visit www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Drought-Communities-Programme-Extension

Background

• To date, $2 million in DCP – Extension funding has been made available to Brewarrina Shire Council for local projects.

• DCP – Extension funding is intended to provide short-term support, including by boosting local employment and procurement, and addressing social and community needs.

• DCP – Extension funding is available to eligible councils for local infrastructure projects and other drought-relief activities. All 18 councils in the Parkes electorate, as well as the Unincorporated Far West NSW region, are eligible under the program.