$1 MILLION FOR JUNEE SHIRE PROJECTS TO FIGHT DROUGHT

An upgrade of Junee’s popular swimming pool is among $1 million worth of community infrastructure projects to be funded by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP), Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has announced.

Mr McCormack said tiling of the floor area around the 50-metre pool at the Junee Junction Recreation and Aquatic Centre would not only create work opportunities but also improve the amenity of the pool for users.

“I know the recreation and aquatic centre is extremely popular and this upgrade will be warmly welcomed in the community,” Mr McCormack said.

“The project was put forward by Junee Shire Council for funding and I am delighted it has been backed by the Government.”

Mr McCormack said other DCP projects submitted by Council and to be funded included upgrades to camping grounds at Wantabadgery’s Sandy Beach and the Bethungra Dam, installation of new fencing at the Junee, Illabo, Bethungra and Old Junee cemeteries, renovations to the Junee museum and visitor information centre (roof replacement, new guttering, exterior painting and new fencing), shared pedestrian and bicycle pathways in the villages, new seating and tables in public spaces across the Shire and the development of an adverse events plan.

“The development of an adverse events plan is a positive project because, as shown by last summer’s bushfires, the long drought and now the COVID-19 pandemic, good planning can mitigate the effects of these disasters,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said the DCP projects would create work for locals and the money they and their families spend would flow into the cash registers of local shops.

“The projects will also improve the lifestyle of residents, attract visitors and make Junee Shire more drought resilient,” he said.

News of the approval follows June’s announcement that Junee Shire Council would receive $587,934 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.

Junee Shire Mayor, Councillor Neil Smith, welcomed approval of the DCP projects and thanked Mr McCormack for advocating strongly for the Shire to be included in the Drought Communities Programme.

“It just made all the difference to getting us across the line,” Cr Smith said.

Mr Smith described the pool work as a “big ticket” item which council otherwise would not be able to afford. He said it would extend the maintenance timeframe of the flooring from 5-10 years to 20-25 years.

Cr Smith said the museum and information centre project had been needed for a long time.

“It houses our heritage and cultural artefacts, so it has to be a safe and dry place,” Cr Smith said.

Cr Smith said Council had worked hard to ensure the benefits of the DCP funding would be spread right throughout the shire.

ENDS