Drought funding projects confirmed

Published on 20 December 2019

Thirty-seven initiatives, activities, events and infrastructure projects will receive support from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Extension Program.

Gannawarra Shire Council is eligible to apply for $2 million in funding following Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcements in September and October that drought declared Councils would receive financial support for drought relief efforts.  Council has applied for the first $1 million, of which these confirmed projects relate to.

“Council has spent the past few weeks liaising with community groups and organisations throughout the Gannawarra to determine the list of projects, events and initiatives that would benefit from this funding,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“These initiatives have been identified using a number of resources, including 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.”

Projects that will receive support include a shower block at Lalbert, restoration works at the Tragowel Hall, the painting of community buildings in Quambatook, enhancement efforts for the Kerang parkrun course and improvements to the entrance of the Cohuna Recreation Reserve (above).

“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,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“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.

“Council is working through a list of projects and initiatives that could be supported by the further $1 million, which we be finalised early in the New Year.”

A full list of supported events and projects is listed below:

Cohuna
Cohuna Recreation Reserve entry improvements Cohuna Recreation Reserve multi-use scoreboard Events support
Kerang
Enhancement works along the proposed parkrun course, including the installation of directional signage and picnic facilities Fire services at the Kerang Museum and Kerang Lawn Tennis Club precinct
Koondrook
Koondrook Historical Society church improvements Senior Citizens Rooms kitchen upgrade RV dump point
Lake Charm
Installation of exercise equipment Walking track improvements Lake Charm Memorial Hall kitchen renovations Assessment of energy saving technology at Lake Charm Memorial Hall
Lalbert
Town entry improvements Addition of showers to public toilet block
Leitchville
Leitchville Memorial Hall improvements Recreation Reserve playground fencing
Macorna
Improved gravel access at Macorna Recreation Reserve
Murrabit
Installation of raw water system to provide a non-potable water supply for key town precinct areas
Tragowel
Tragowel Hall restoration works Assessment of energy saving technology at Tragowel Hall
Quambatook
Exterior building verandah repairs on community buildings Outdoor exercise equipment Assessment of energy saving technology at Quambatook Memorial Hall
Community resilience support
Agrisafe Program support Community Resilience Grants Program support Development of a localised leadership program Festival support - Kerang Gannawarra Giving Account support I See You Like This artist residency  Kerang Exercise Pool defibrillator  Mental Health First Aid Night Off the Farm 2020 Reconciliation Week events at Cohuna, Kerang and Koondrook Rhythm and Voice Student Leadership Forum Tyipen Kwe (Northern District Community Health) support Warra Warriors Youth Activities