Drought Communities Programme – Update #1 – 4 March 2020
North Burnett Regional Council was successful in its application for funding of $1 million under the Drought Communities Programme – Extension. This program provides funding to eligible drought-affected Councils in Australia to deliver immediate economic stimulus, support local community infrastructure and provide other drought relief projects for communities who have been impacted by drought.
In February 2020, through a number of community workshops, Council obtained extensive feedback from the community on their ideas and priorities for projects to be undertaken in each of the six main townships, which were each allocated $120,000. These ideas have now been assessed against factors such as funding eligibility, community benefit, regional economic stimulus, project readiness and Council’s ability to deliver the project by 30 June 2020 in line with funding requirements.
Council received great input from the community during this process and sincerely thank everyone who took the time to be involved. For this funding program, projects that Council will further investigate including determining costings include:
Biggenden |
Women’s Shed Infrastructure Set Up |
Wall of Fame Project |
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Water Dispensing Station Project |
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Eidsvold |
Main Street Revitalisation Project |
Gayndah |
Installation of Half-Court Basketball Court in Lion’s Park |
Gayndah Swimming Pool Complex Fencing Upgrade |
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Monto |
Monto Magic Art Trail Project |
Mundubbera |
Shade over Half Penny Park Playground and Perimeter Fencing |
Mt Perry |
Air Conditioning and Solar Panels installed at Mt Perry Community Hall |
A key aspect of the funding is to utilise local businesses and contractors to complete these projects and stimulate the economy by using local suppliers wherever possible. These projects need to be completed before 30 June 2020.
In addition to these town renewal projects, other initiatives being delivered under this funding include:
- Town Entry Signs for Biggenden, Gayndah, Monto and Eidsvold.
- Village Entry Signs for Kalpowar, Mungungo, Moonford, Bancroft, Mulgildie, Abercorn, Ideraway, Byrnestown, Dallarnil, Degilbo, Coalstoun Lakes, Gooroolba, Didcot, Monogorilby and Binjour.
- “Bugger the Drought” Regional Comedy Tour – to be held in 4 locations across the region from 30 April to 3 May (more information to be announced soon!).
- Drought Resilience Officer Position – for grassroots mental health support. This position has commenced as at 2 March 2020 – please contact Russell Mills at North Burnett Community Service on 0427 654 690 or dro@nbcs.org.au.
These projects were made possible with funding under the Drought Communities Programme –
Extension delivered by the Australian Government – Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.
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