A further three Victorian councils have been declared, under the Drought Communities Program.
Mallee MP Andrew Broad said Buloke, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Shire Councils would now share in $4.5 million in additional funding, after he secured their places on the list of declared councils under the Drought Communities Programme (DCP).
“I have been able to secure this additional funding, which doesn’t form part of an election promise – it is committed funds, through the DCP for these three councils,” Mr Broad said.
“The Declared Councils list acknowledges the difficulties the regions are confronting and means that they’ll now receive extra financial support to assist their communities to survive the dry. The DCP is about driving jobs and stimulating local spending and this $4.5 million will help these shires to develop new opportunities.”
Mr Broad said DCP funding was allocated to infrastructure projects which provided employment for people whose work had been affected by drought.
“By using local trades, resources and businesses, DCP projects can encourage community growth whilst delivering lasting benefits through projects that add to the life of the regions.”
“I look forward to working closely with all three councils to deliver projects that boost both the region’s economy and morale.”
Projects will be submitted to the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development for assessment and whilst there is no deadline for submissions, the DCP component of projects must be completed by 30 June 2019.
“This is a great win for the people of our rural communities,” Mr Broad said.