More support for drought funding projects

Published on 05 May 2020

Twenty-two projects and nine events will benefit from a second $1 million portion from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension, bringing the total amount received to $2 million.

Gannawarra Shire Council recently received notification that an application for its second stage of $1 million from the program that supports drought-declared municipalities had been approved, with projects to be completed by 31 December 2020.

“Communities throughout the Gannawarra are already benefiting from works supported by the rollout of Stage 1 of projects under this programme,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth.

“The confirmation of Council’s application means that the number of projects and activities supported within the Gannawarra will increase from 37 to 69.”

Projects that will proceed include the revitalisation of the community halls at Lake Charm and Quambatook, the upgrading of toilets at Lake Meran and extensions to the Benjeroop Hall (pictured).

Funding will also be used to install solar panels at the Lalbert Community Complex, Murrabit Market Office and Murrabit Recreation Reserve clubrooms.

“These initiatives have been identified using a number of resources, including the Gannawarra Shire Council Plan 2017-2021 and projects that were not successful in obtaining funding from the State Government’s Pick My Project program in 2018 and the 2019 round of Council’s Community Grants program as a guide,” Mayor Learmonth said.

Nine events are proposed to be supported by Stage 2 of the program, but whether these initiatives proceed are dependent on the easing of social distancing measures currently in place to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

“This secondary $1 million will also support the third round of Council’s Community Resilience Program, which provides $40,000 in funding for small activities that promote social connectedness and mental health and wellbeing,” Mayor Learmonth said.

For more information regarding how the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme - Extension is benefiting the Gannawarra, including a full list of projects supported by this initiative, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/droughtfunding

A full list of Stage 2-supported events and projects is listed below: