$1 MILLION FOR LOCKHART SHIRE PROJECTS TO FIGHT DROUGHT: McCORMACK
Farmers in Lockhart Shire will have improved water security for the current and future droughts when the reticulated water system is extended by 10.8 kilometres as part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s $1 million Drought Communities Programme (DCP) support for the Shire.
Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the pipeline extension was one of six projects Council had successfully sought funding for after being added to the list of eligible councils under the DCP extension last November.
“Water is the lifeblood of agriculture, so improving security for farmers is one of the best projects Lockhart Shire Council could have planned,” Mr McCormack said.
“At the same time, the project will create work for locals, so it will have a double benefit.”
Among the other DCP projects approved are improvements to footpaths and disability access in Lockhart and The Rock, the engagement of a Drought Support Officer and the painting of a large-scale mural on the Yerong Creek water tower – which will help attract visitors to the village.
“These projects will create work and jobs for locals and the money they and their families will spend will flow into the cash registers of local shops,” Mr McCormack said.
“The projects will also improve the lifestyle of residents, attract visitors and make Lockhart Shire more drought resilient.”
News of the approval comes about two weeks after Mr McCormack announced Lockhart Shire Council would receive $846,561 under the Government’s new $1.8 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP).
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.
Lockhart Shire Council Mayor Councillor Rodger Schirmer welcomed approval of the DCP projects following on from the LRCIP and Financial Assistance Grant boosts.
“I think this Government is doing a lot to get funds out to the regional areas and we really appreciate it,” Cr Schirmer said.
Cr Schirmer said the DCP project approvals was “certainly a plus for our Shire”.
“The money will go towards gainfully employing locals and Council staff and add to the amenity of our towns throughout the Shire,” Cr Schirmer said.
The Mayor said about half of the $1 million approved by the Federal Government would be spent on extending the water reticulation network.
“We are extending the water pipelines to outlying farms on both sides of the Shire,” Cr Schirmer said.
“It will make the water at standpipes far more available; farmers won’t have to travel so far to access water in times of drought.”
Cr Schirmer said the majority of DCP projects were “shovel ready”.
“The reticulated water plans have been done and we are working with Riverina Water on that project,” Cr Schirmer said.
“They are ready to do it in the very near future, I believe.”
LOCKHART SHIRE COUNCIL PROPOSED DCP PROJECTS
Extending the reticulated water supply by 10.8 kilometres.
Upgrades to the Lockhart, Osborne and The Rock recreation grounds with the installation of electronic scoreboards.
Establishing a second oval at The Rock Recreation Reserve through the installation of an irrigation system and ancillary buildings.
Improvements to footpaths and disability access throughout Lockhart and The Rock.
The painting of a large-scale mural on Yerong Creek water tower.
The engagement of a Drought Support Officer to assist the community in relation to drought-related assistance, funding and opportunities.