Cowra’s fight against the drought has received another huge boost with the Federal Government agreeing to fund nearly a dozen job-creating projects worth a total of $1 million.
Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said 10 projects submitted by Cowra Shire Council under the Drought Communities Programme (DCP) had been approved.
“This is fantastic news for Cowra, which has been fighting hard against the drought and deserves more Government help to win the battle,” Mr McCormack said.
“The rain this year has been positive, but the drought is far from over.”
The new round of projects follows another $1 million delivered to the Cowra community in 2019 through an earlier round of the DCP.
“These new projects build on last year’s boost, keeping people in work and money flowing into the shops,” Mr McCormack said.
Projects approved include refurbishment of the Billimari Hall, fit out of toilets at the Japanese Garden Café and construction of an amenities block at the Woodstock Soldiers Memorial Park.
The approval has been welcomed by Cowra’s Mayor, Councillor Bill West.
“The effects of the drought are still being felt in the Cowra district,” Councillor West said.
“This $1 million allows our shire, including our villages, to undertake some capital improvements and new facilities which otherwise in the current circumstance we could not afford.
“The projects will help grow our shire.”
Cr West said the first round of projects funded last year had delivered “tremendous benefit” to the Cowra economy and he was looking forward to a similar economic lift from the new round.
The Mayor said he expected immediate benefit because some projects were ready to start now, such as the Japanese Garden Café toilets.
“We will be ready to start that project as soon as the cheque is in our hands,” Councillor West said.
“Some other projects will take a little longer to complete.”
COWRA SHIRE COUNCIL DCP PROJECTS
• Redevelopment of the Cowra Rugby Club changerooms and construction of a multi-purpose gymnasium
• Refurbishment of the Billimari Hall
• Installation of solar lighting, and underground watering system, revitalisation of the Memorial Wall area and development of a children’s bike training circuit at Europa Park, Cowra;
• Construction of the Wattamondara Community Hall
• Repairs and improvements at the Morongla Showground including maintenance to the canteen and installation of a mobile phone repeater facility
• Upgrade of facilities at the Cowra Showground Pavilion
• Activation of the Cowra to Holmwood Tourist Railway for heritage steam train operations (six kilometres of track)
• Fit out of toilet facilities at the Japanese Garden Café
• Installation of a community kitchen at the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre
• Construction of a disabled/ambulant amenities block at Woodstock Soldiers Memorial Park