Council Seeks $1m Federal Grant

November 22, 2018

The South Burnett’s drought-declared status may have a small bright side … a million dollar grant from the Drought Communities Program.

The program is a Federal Government initiative to provide councils in drought-stricken areas with up to $1 million for local community infrastructure and other drought relief projects.

It will provide 100 per cent funding for eligible projects that provide employment opportunities for people whose work has been impacted by drought; stimulate local spending; use local resources, businesses and suppliers; and provide long-lasting benefits to communities.

At its November meeting, Councillors voted to apply for a $1 million grant from the program.

If successful, the Council will spend:

$500,000 on extra gravel resheeting of rural roads,

$250,000 for on-farm improvements to help the region’s rural property owners minimise the impact of drought,

$100,000 to upgrade the Durong truck parking area, and

$150,000 to renovate the Wondai Showgrounds grandstand; upgrade the Maidenwell Sportsground’s toilets and power supply; and install a standpipe at Hivesville.

The motion to apply for the grant was moved by Deputy Mayor Kathy Duff, seconded by Cr Ros Heit, and carried unanimously.

Applications for the program close on June 30 next year so the result of the Council’s submission may not be known until the second half of 2019.