Member for New England and Special Envoy for Drought Assistance and Recovery, Barnaby Joyce, said more funding is headed to Bingara, Upper Horton, Walcha, Glen Innes and Deepwater as part of the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program.

 

Gwydir Shire Council was recently approved for $48,650 for streetscape improvements at Bingara, a further $27,351 for the co-contribution of asphalt works at Bingara and $110,000 for Gwydir River foreshore improvements.

 

“I’m glad to announce these grants off the back of my visit to Bingara last week for meetings,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“It forms part of the million dollars I’ve secured for the Gwydir under this drought funding program.

 

“It includes revitalisation of the main street, installation of new banner flag poles, removal of weeds along part of the river foreshore, new signage and footpaths, as well as new asphalt at the intersection of Maitland and Cunningham streets. 

 

“I see Bingara as having a great future especially with further investment in the social infrastructure of the shire such as this."

 

Gwydir Shire Council was also approved for $141,700 for the Upper Horton Sports Club Tennis Court Renovations Project.

 

“It is a great pleasure to fight for funding that improves small communities like Upper Horton,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“This funding will allow the refurbishment the unused tennis courts to make this a true multi-sport facility which will be of significant benefit to locals.

 

“This investment is a crucial part of looking after Bingara and our New England electorate.”

 

Walcha Council was approved for $845,000 for a Walcha Showground Function Centre project and a further $155,000 for the Walcha Communities Projects.

 

“My local show is the Walcha Show and with the million dollars I fought for, we now have the capacity to upgrade facilities for one of Walcha’s premier annual events,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“This investment in the public utilities at the showground is something everyone in the district can be proud of when they bring their guest to the show."

 

Glen Innes Severn Council was recently approved for $106,468 for improvements to toilet facilities at Apex Park and Melling Park ($101,968).

 

“There are so many tourists that go through Glen Innes as part of the Celtic Festival by reason of being on the New England Highway,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“So this is vital, to ensure the amenities are to such a standard they keep the traveller comfortable."

 

Glen Innes Severn Council was recently approved for $50,000 to install a water stand pipe at Deepwater to provide increased access to reliable water supply in town.

 

“It’s great to be able to deliver back to towns like Deepwater,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“All the towns and villages are vital to the fabric of the New England."

 

To further help communities in drought, the Coalition Government is urging local councils to submit proposals which would consider bringing forward infrastructure spending provided by the Federal Government to councils.

 

“This will help create more new investment in town at a time when the community needs it most,” he said.

 

(ENDS)