DROUGHT SUPPORT FUNDING FOR RIVERLAND COMMUNITIES

Member for Barker Tony Pasin has announced that the Berri Barmera and Renmark Paringa Councils have been formally approved for projects to boost the economy, social and community needs through the Morrison Government’s Drought Communities Program.

The Riverland councils both received a second allocation of $1 million bringing the total to $2 million each under the Federal Government initiative.

Using the $1 million funding windfall, Berri Barmera Council will undertake a range of community projects that address infrastructure needs, tourism promotion and community health and wellbeing activities including:

• upgrades to the toilet block at the Barmera Visitor Information Centre;

• upgrades to the Supper Room at the Bonney Theatre, Barmera;

• provision of a household hard waste collection centre;

• extension of, and refurbishments to, the Lake Bonney walking and cycling trail in Barmera;

• installation of solar lighting along the walking trails at Lake Bonney, and Berri Riverfront, and installation of LED lighting within the Berri CBD;

• upgrading and modernising of the maze at Monash Adventure Park (Monash);

• upgrades to irrigation at Berri and Barmera main ovals;

• upgrades to, and renewal of, the historical swimming steps structure on the Berri Riverfront;

• undertaking a series of community events and artistic activities to provide general mental wellbeing for residents of the Council area.

Renmark Paringa Council will undertake infrastructure improvements and workshop-based activities with the funding, including:

• upgrading kerbs and water-tables within Renmark;

• installation of solar panels at the Alan Coulter Recreation Centre, Renmark;

• increasing storage capacity at the Renmark Wastewater Treatment Plant through enlarging the existing overflow lagoon;

• sealing Beherendts Road in Murtho, Paringa;

• re-sheeting Taldra Road in Taldra; and

• conducting a suicide awareness and community resilience program (‘Connecting with People’)

Mr Pasin said that many councils across Barker were receiving funding under the program to undertake projects to deliver outcomes for communities in drought.

“While each of these councils are in various stages from planning to completion, I’m extremely proud that I can point to projects that are making a real, direct difference to residents experiencing drought in communities across Barker,” Mr Pasin said.

“I’m seeing projects roll out that are increasing local employment, stimulating local economies, and improving services and amenities for our regions.”

“While we can’t make it rain, our Government is supporting our communities in drought. We’re backing in our farmers, and we will always stand up and support our drought-affected communities,” Mr Pasin said.

The Drought Communities Program supports communities in the most drought-affected regions of Australia and builds on more than $7 billion of Liberal and Nationals Government drought support measures.

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

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