Member for Barker Tony Pasin has today officially opened the new Karoonda Early Childhood Centre and Community Hub funded through the Morrison Government’s Drought Communities Program.
The purpose built facility will be home to childcare service and provide additional space to cater for a range of community and social activities.
The $550,000 piece of infrastructure was funded entirely through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program.
Mr Pasin said eight eligible councils across Barker were eligible for $1 million dollars 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, like the new childcare service here in Karoonda which is providing a desperately-needed service for many families across the Mallee.”
“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
Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466
