SUPPORTING BARKER COMMUNITIES THROUGH DROUGHT
The Member for Barker Tony Pasin has announced Southern Mallee District Council has been successful in securing $1 million for projects under the Morrison Government’s $81 million Drought Communities Program.
Southern Mallee District Council will use the funding for four projects to benefit the community experiencing dry conditions;
• Pinnaroo Community Childcare Development ($290,000) and Lameroo Community Childcare Development ($580,000) to increase childcare places.
• Pinnaroo Community Swimming Pool ($65,000) and Lameroo Community Swimming Pool ($65,000) renewals.
This program 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 the agricultural industries on which they depend.
“While much of the media attention of this drought has been focused on conditions in NSW and Queensland, I’ve been on the ground listening to people living through dry conditions here in Barker and I understand that things are tough for individuals and communities. This is why I fought for the Drought Communities Program to be extended into the driest regions of SA ,” Mr Pasin said.
“Drought not only impacts our farmers but entire towns and regions that rely on agricultural output for survival. Government can’t make it rain but we are doing what we can to support our regions through tough times,” said Mr Pasin.
Minister for Regional Services, Local Government and Decentralisation Bridget McKenzie said despite the impact of natural disasters, regional and rural Australia continues to punch above its weight in the nation’s economy.
“We know when our regions are strong so is our nation,” Minister McKenzie said.
“With regional Australia accounting for around two-thirds of our exports and employing hundreds of thousands of Australians, supporting these communities now is a small price to pay to ensure we keep the economy growing.
“Drought Communities Program investments will help those communities across Barker during this tough time.”
The Drought Communities Program supports communities in the most drought-affected regions of Australia and builds on more than $7 billion of Liberal National Government drought support measures.
In August 2018, the program was extended to provide support of $1 million to 60 eligible councils and in October a further 21 eligible councils were added to reach even more communities suffering through drought.
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
Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466
