Member for Barker Tony Pasin has today officially opened the new Palmer Nature Play Space funded through the Morrison 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 Collier Park Nature Play Space which improving amenities for the local community.”
“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.
Mid Murray Council partnered with the Australian Government and the Palmer Collier Park Community Association to use part of its $1 million grant to develop the first substantial nature play space in the region.
Mid Murray Mayor, Dave Burgess, said the Council and Mid Murray community were grateful to the Federal Government and Mr Pasin for their support for community projects in these challenging times, including the Collier Park Nature Play Space.
“We greatly appreciate the assistance of the Federal Government through the Drought Communities Program and the Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, which have supported the delivery of projects such as this beautiful new play space, while also boosting economic opportunities and improved social and community connection for our district,” Mr Burgess said.
“Our district has faced challenging times through drought, but creating spaces such as this helps to bring people together to connect, to talk and to continue to build resilience and strength within our community.
“I would also like to acknowledge the work of the local volunteers, whose vision and dedication was instrumental in developing the project”.
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
