Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said more drought relief is headed for the Liverpool Plains with funding approved for a new water dispensing station.

 

Liverpool Plains Shire Council will receive $105,458 under the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program to install the new water point in Quirindi for distribution around the district.

 

“Projects like this and others we’re funding around the shire, such as the new helipad at the Liverpool Plains Emergency Services Precinct and public facilities upgrades at surrounding villages, are all helping to recharge the economies of our drought towns,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“It is about keeping local people in jobs, supporting local business which is also doing it tough from the downturn in trade and driving wealth back into our communities like Quirindi and around the New England.”

 

Mayor of Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Councillor Andrew Hope, said the community is very pleased to receive the funding that will be an invaluable asset, particularly during periods such as the current severe drought, to facilitate supply of water to people who desperately need replenishment whether on a small, domestic scale or via water cart.

 

He said this project meshes well with other initiatives Council is progressing, designed to enhance water security now and importantly for future generations.   

 

“The Drought Communities Funding Program is providing much needed and appreciated economic stimulus to our communities during this drought crisis,” Cr Hope said.

 

“Everyone in a rural Shire such as Liverpool Plains, be they on the land, running a business or living in town, is impacted by such an event and the great thing about this Program is it spreads benefit across all these sectors.

 

“The people of the LPS are grateful for the support that Mr Joyce has given us throughout the drought crisis. Thank you, Barnaby and the Government, for listening to our community’s concerns, aspirations and needs during these trying times.”

 

Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation, Bridget McKenzie, said a central aim of the program was to stimulate employment for people whose work opportunities were impacted by drought.

 

“The Liberal Nationals Government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with drought-affected communities across the country, with more than $7 billion in drought support, resilience and preparedness initiatives having already been announced by our Government,” Minister McKenzie said.

 

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Becoming eligible for the DCP Extension also enables farmers, farm workers and suppliers/contractors ito apply for the Drought Community Support Initiative (DCSI).

 

The DCSI provides up to $3,000 per eligible drought-affected household. Valuable support can become available as soon as possible through providers such as St Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army.

 

Further information on the program and a list of eligible councils is avialble at https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/drought-communities-programme.

 

DCP funding previously detailed for Liverpool Plains:

 

 $768, 897 to upgrade the Quirindi Fire Control Centre, public facilities in villages across to shire including town signage, new water augmentation and the appointment of a drought support officer.