By Jeremy Sollars
The Southern Downs Regional Council says it is awaiting advice from the Federal Government on projects the council has put forward for funding under the federal Drought Communities Programme.
The SDRC is one of more than 80 local councils around Australia deemed eligible to apply for funding for local projects as part of Canberra’s $1.8 billion drought support funding announced last August.
The council’s proposed projects are as follows –
• Indestructible water standpipes (potable water only) for Warwick (Wallace Street), Stanthorpe (Visitor Info Centre), Yangan and Allora – $200,000 (total for all four locations)
• Community Halls and RSL’s (excluding facilities with gaming) – Capital improvements and maintenance – $250,000
• Community and sporting organisations (excluding facilities with gaming) – rain water tanks and water saving devices – $200,000
• Water carting (potable water only) – $150,000
• Leyburn Bore works (potable water) – $200,000
Councillors endorsed the proposed projects at a special meeting last December, with a spokesperson telling the Free Times this week the council is now “awaiting advice” from the government on their approval or otherwise.
Councils have until 30 June this year to complete all approved projects.
The community was given the opportunity to give feedback on how the drought funding should be spent in the region at public forums held in Warwick and Stanthorpe on 11 and 14 September last year.
