A new, high-priority drought relief project is progressing in the Flinders Shire Council, with funding approved to flow under the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP) Extension.
Minister for Drought David Littleproud said he was pleased to see this project ready to move forward.
“The Australian Government is providing $1 million to the Flinders Shire Council to support the roll out of important local initiatives,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This project will provide long lasting benefits for local communities which have been significantly impacted by drought.
Queensland Senator Susan McDonald said the DCP Extension projects deliver an immediate cash injection to help keep locals employed, businesses open, and to keep money flowing through drought-affected regional economies.
“This project will deliver important upgrades to throughout the region, including to the Flinders Sports Ground, Stamford Sport and Recreational Club, Stamford Saleyards, Hughenden Racecourse, and shop fronts and other amenities in Hughenden,” Senator McDonald said.
“The Government is proud to be standing with regional and rural communities doing it tough through drought and we will be here to support them through dedicated initiatives such as the DCP Extension.
“Drought doesn’t just hurt farmers, it hurts small businesses and the wider community as well, but with DCP Extension funding we can keep money flowing through affected areas.”
Minister Littleproud said now more than ever, the Government is proud to support regional Australia during the added challenge of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
“Given the challenges of COVID-19, project events may not be able to proceed in the near future,” he said.
“Nevertheless, communities should rest assured the Government continues to have their back, with an economic support package of nearly $260 billion in assistance announced to date.
“This includes the recently announced $1.8 billion package to assist local government in the delivery of priority projects with a focus on roads, community infrastructure upgrades and maintenance,” Minister Littleproud said.
The DCP Extension has funded over 400 projects, such as the construction of local tourism assets and amenities blocks, delivery of a potable water supply, community resilience events and employing local drought support officers.
