$1 MILLION FOR COOTAMUNDRA AND GUNDAGAI TO FIGHT DROUGHT
The main streets of Cootamundra and Gundagai will receive major facelifts which will create jobs and boost local shopping after the Federal Government approved funding for the upgrades with a $1 million drought-busting grant.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the approved projects submitted by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council had been given the tick of approval through the popular Drought Communities Programme (DCP) Extension, which has delivered more than $10 million to councils throughout the Riverina and Central West.
“This is fantastic news for Cootamundra and Gundagai, which are both important regional shopping centres,” Mr McCormack said.
“I congratulate the Council for having the foresight to plan projects which will create jobs now through construction and into the future through improved main streets which will attract shoppers for years to come.
“This funding approval could not come at a better time for Cootamundra and Gundagai as they fight back against the ongoing drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Council’s proposal for Parker Street in Cootamundra includes establishing street gardens, street furniture, lighting, retaining walls, shelters, a water feature and tree planting.
Its proposal for Sheridan Street in Gundagai includes new road pavement, kerb and guttering, drainage and footpath works, landscaping, street furniture and electrical works.
Mr McCormack said the DCP approval also included funding for the development of an Adverse Events Plan by the Council.
News of the approval comes days after Council was told it would receive $4.073 million for 11 road projects to be jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments through the Fixing Local Roads Program.
And it follows an announcement in May the Council would receive an additional $985,552 as part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program.
The Mayor of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, Councillor Abb McAlister, welcomed the announcement.
“It’s fantastic news,” Cr McAlister said.
“We can now get on with the job.
“The money will go a long way towards finishing the Sheridan Street upgrade at the top end of the street.
“A lot of people go there to look at the railway bridge and the Prince Alfred Bridge.
“It will be brilliant.”
Cr McAlister said a lot of infrastructure elements of Parker Street were starting to age and needed rejuvenation.
“We will be able to update them with this grant money,” the Mayor said.
“The main street is the focal point of a town and the more impressive it is the more likely it is to attract visitors.”