$1 MILLION FOR BLAND SHIRE PROJECTS TO FIGHT DROUGHT

Just over two weeks after Bland Shire Council was told it would receive nearly $2 million in extra infrastructure funding from the Federal Government, Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has announced approval of another $1 million for drought-busting projects in the Shire through the Drought Communities Programme (DCP) Extension Round 2.

“This is a great partnership between the Liberal and Nationals Government and Bland Shire Council which will tackle the effects of the ongoing drought by creating jobs and supporting local suppliers,” Mr McCormack said.

“It will put money into the pockets of local tradies which will flow into the cash registers of local shops.

“It will also deliver improved local infrastructure the people of Bland Shire need and deserve.”

Some 14 projects to be funded include rejuvenating the West Wyalong-Wyalong Remembrance Walk, refurbishment of the West Wyalong Scout Hall, upgrading disabled toilet facilities at the West Wyalong pool and improving amenities blocks at Naradhan, Tallimba and Weethalle.

Mr McCormack said Bland Shire had previously received another $1 million in 2019 under the Drought Communities Programme which had improved facilities in the shire’s villages.

Bland Shire Council Mayor Councillor Brian Monaghan described the project approvals as terrific news.

“The Federal Government has been great in these hard times we have encountered,” Cr Monaghan said.

“The money is flowing into the Shire and that’s critical at this time when things have slowed down.”

Cr Monaghan said the Council would start work on the drought projects as soon as possible.

“Some of the projects are ready to go and some need a little more work, but we will be onto them straight away,” Cr Monaghan said.

Last month Mr McCormack announced Bland Shire Council would receive $1,849,827 as part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1.8 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

At the same time, he announced Council’s 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant would be brought forward as part of a $1.3 billion national initiative to support local economies struggling under the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BLAND SHIRE COUNCIL PROPOSED DCP PROJECTS

  • Rejuvenation of the existing West Wyalong-Wyalong Remembrance Walk.

  • Installation of portable pump tracks at Barmedman Recreation Ground and Ungarie Showground.

  • Installation of additional amenities at the Barmedman Recreation Ground.

  • Upgrades to Motorsports Park at the West Wyalong Airport through the installation of demountable buildings and equipment.

  • Upgrades to the camp draft facilities at the West Wyalong Showground.

  • Resurfacing and rejuvenating the Mirrool tennis courts.

  • Installation of a dump point at Mirrool.

  • Fencing of sporting grounds at Perseverance Street, West Wyalong.

  • Refurbishment of the West Wyalong Scout Hall.

  • Upgrading disabled toilet facilities at the West Wyalong pool.

  • Improvements to village amenities blocks at Naradhan, Tallimba and Weethalle.

  • Upgrades to the West Wyalong small-bore amenities block and kitchen.

  • Conducting ‘Health, Healing and Resilience’ events across several Bland Shire communities through the engagement of local service providers to deliver programs relating to healthy activities, lifestyles and products.

  • The development of an Adverse Events Plan

Shane Manning