Drought projects approved for Longreach
8th February, 2016
LONGREACH Regional Council will receive $1.4 million to invest in 13 local infrastructure projects through the Australian Government's $35 million Drought Communities Programme.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the funding will provide communities throughout the region with a much needed boost.
“Funding under the Drought Communities Programme is targeted at providing employment for those whose work opportunities have been affected by drought and to support projects that stimulate business activity in drought-affected communities,” Mr Truss said.
Federal Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott said these projects will provide the communities of Longreach, Ilfracombe, Isisford and Yaraka with long-lasting infrastructure improvements.
“The region’s regular race meets, along with Yaraka’s annual gymkhana, are all set to benefit from the funding, with significant infrastructure developments taking place at the Longreach Race Club and Kiama Park in Yaraka,” Mr Scott said.
“This will deliver social benefits to Longreach and the surrounding communities by providing a venue for large community events and drawing more tourists to the region.
“It will also go a long way to stimulating the local economy and building community resilience.
“The Drought Communities Programme and other Federal Government drought assistance measures will ensure rural and remote communities can survive the drought, with support for producers, farm businesses and local communities.
“There is a mix of other government assistance available for drought-affected producers including concessional loans, income support, fairer tax arrangements and free rural financial counselling.”
To find out about other support services, visit agriculture.gov.au/assistance or call the Department of Human Services Farmer Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.
More information on the Drought Communities Programme can be found at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/funding/dcp/index.aspx
Projects approved for the Longreach Regional Council area:
Longreach Jockey Club - Install new commercial kitchen facilities at the racecourse, upgrade the Longreach Race Club’s members’ stand and connect the club to the Longreach sewerage system $372,252
Longreach Uniting Church - Refurbish the Joseph Edgely Hall $186,158
Youth Centre - Upgrade facilities - $32,386
Longreach State High School - Level and re-turf the main oval to create a surface suitable for playing cricket, rugby league and other sports. $174,601
Longreach Golf Club - Refurbish and extend the clubhouse $176,858
Isisford Golf Club - Construct a new roofed deck area $89,185
Ilfracombe Golf Club - Complete a facilities and safety upgrade $34,137
Lions Club of Longreach Inc - Construct a storage facility $66,876
Isisford District Hospital building - Transform old Isisford District Hospital building into the Isisford Historical Museum $139,125
Kiama Park, Yaraka - Upgrade facilities including the construction of all-access amenities $89,886
Longreach Tennis Club - Completion of a facilities upgrade $43,349
Longreach Netball Association -Upgrade courts and build an access road to the clubhouse $32,844
