Drought Projects Update - May 2020

Published on 01 May 2020

Major initiatives supported by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension continue to be rolled out throughout the Gannawarra.

Council announced in late 2019 that 37 initiatives, activities and infrastructure projects would benefit from $1 million of Federal Government funding, with these Stage 1 projects initially scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2020.

“Council is well on the way to completing these works on schedule,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“This program is already benefiting residents in Macorna, Lake Charm and Quambatook, where small measures such as recreation reserve road grading, walking track improvements and building repairs are complete.

“The installation of exercise equipment at Lake Charm and Quambatook is also occurring, which residents in both towns will benefit from once social distancing measures are lifted.”

ABOVE: Building repairs to community facilities at Quambatook are complete.

Larger projects at Cohuna and Leitchville are underway, which will rejuvenate key community venues in both towns.

“A revamped entrance gateway at the Cohuna Recreation Reserve is close to completion, incorporating a new ticket box that provides weather protection for volunteers who greet attendees at events held at this popular venue,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“Works are also occurring at the Leitchville Memorial Hall, with a projector and screen installed this week.

“The painting of the hall will occur throughout May, with the refurbishment of the venue’s existing community garden underway.” 

Meanwhile, the rollout of community resilience projects continues to be on hold due to efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

“All involved in these projects and events look forward to the resumption of these programs and rescheduling of these events once social distancing measures are relaxed,” Mayor Learmonth said.

Details and updates on all projects supported by funding from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension is available online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/droughtfunding

MAIN PHOTO: Improvements to the Cohuna Recreation Reserve - one of 37 initiatives, activities and infrastructure projects to benefit locally from the Federal Goverment's Drought Communities Programme - Extension - are underway.