Drought Communities Program delivers more good news for Gunnedah Shire

August 11, 2020

Another three projects submitted during a Gunnedah Shire Council call for community resilience projects will go ahead with significant benefits for the community.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said he was pleased to announce Carroll Progress Association, Gunnedah Tennis Club, and the Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group had been granted funding through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program.

“We called for new projects late last year to stimulate local spending, provide employment and use local businesses and suppliers while delivering a long-lasting public benefit,” Cr Chaffey said.

“These are three of the wonderful projects that met those requirements.

“It’s exciting to see the Carroll Sportsground on its way to being restored as the heart of the sporting community in Carroll. Congratulations to the Carroll Progress Association for taking on this project which will have not only sporting benefits, but will provide a gathering place and make the Carroll community even stronger.

“The Gunnedah Tennis Club has also come up with a great project to install LED lighting at the popular Wolseley Park courts. This will mean greater energy efficiency, more even lighting and less light spill for nearby residents. Gunnedah has some great tennis talent, and this will make the courts better for both those who are heading for big things, and those who just want to have a bit of fun.

“I would also like to congratulate the Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group (GULG) on their projects to improve the popular walking and recreation areas of Porcupine Reserve and Pensioners Hill Reserve.

“The initiative includes rehabilitation of some of the Porcupine walking track, installing bollards at the perimeter of the reserve to prevent four-wheel-drive damage, and new directional signs.

“At Pensioners Hill, GULG have created new garden beds with native plants and installed a new eagle bench which is a work of art.

“Gunnedah Shire Council is really pleased to have been able to work with these groups to secure federal funding through the Drought Communities Program, and we look forward to the results.

“These are projects that are help to build our resilience during times of drought and beyond.”

Photo Caption: Gunnedah Mayor Jamie Chaffey and Deputy Mayor Rob Hooke with Gunnedah Urban Landcare Group chair Mark Kesby (left) and member George Truman (right).

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.