Projects, events to benefit from Federal Government drought support

Published on 02 December 2019

Gannawarra Shire Council is in the last steps of finalising the list of initiatives, activities, events and infrastructure projects that will benefit from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Extension Programme funding.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in September 2019 that drought declared Councils including the Gannawarra, would receive $1 million for drought relief efforts.

A secondary commitment of $1 million was announced on 7 November 2019, bringing the total amount available to support communities across the Gannawarra to $2 million over the next 12 months.

“It is important to note that Council is a facilitator when it comes to the distribution of this funding, with the short timeframe meaning projects and events must be completed or conducted within the coming 12 months,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“The Federal Government has stipulated that this funding cannot be used for purchasing water or to provide rates relief.”

Council has spent the past few weeks developing a list of projects and events that would benefit from the funding, using community projects identified in the Gannawarra Shire Council Plan 2017-2021 and projects that were not successful in obtaining funding from the State Government’s Pick My Project program in 2018 and the 2019 round of Council’s Community Grants program as a guide.

“Council has liaised with community groups throughout the Gannawarra to gather feedback regarding the list of projects that would benefit from this funding,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“The projects and events identified will benefit all residents, be it those who live in our larger towns of Kerang, Cohuna and Koondrook to resident in our smaller towns and districts such as Lalbert, Macorna, Leitchville, Murrabit, Kerang Lakes and Quambatook.

“Council looks forward to working with the community in delivering these projects and events, with the aim of bringing some joy and benefit at a much needed time.”

Funding for small events, programs and activities to be delivered in the first half of 2020 and valued up to $5,000 is available through the Gannawarra Community Resilience Grants Program. Applications, which close on Friday, 13 December, can be submitted online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/grants or by completing a hard copy form, available from Council’s Customer Service Centres at Cohuna and Kerang.