Drought Communities Program $2 million cash injection brings relief to drought ravaged North Burnett

The multimillion-dollar cash injection has funded much needed infrastructure across the North Burnett.

North Burnett Regional Council score $2 million in Drought Communities Programme funding.

Funding to the tune of $2 million took the North Burnett by surprise this year, enabling the council to inject much-needed funding into 11 projects across the region with a little help from the federal government’s Drought Communities Program.

North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Rachel Chambers said the program has funded much needed infrastructure in the North Burnett that supported local contractors and helped build long-term benefits for the community.

North Burnett Regional Council score $2 million in Drought Communities Program funding.

“This funding program is unprecedented and has been so important to our Council during these challenging times” Cr Chambers said.

“This program was intended to support local business, create employment opportunities and provide long-lasting economic and social benefits to the region, to retain people, retain businesses and retain services.

“These projects deliver across the spectrum, either being delivered by local contractors or giving the region long-term infrastructure that will help keep families and local businesses in our communities.”

North Burnett Regional Council score $2 million in Drought Communities Program funding.

As the drought retains its chokehold on the region and COVID-19 challenges local businesses, Cr Chamber’s said she urges everyone to take care of themselves and others, and shop local where possible.

Funded projects include:

• Wall of Fame Project and set up of a Women’s Shed in Biggenden

• Monto Magic Art Trail Project

• Main Street Upgrade in Eidsvold – works to commence in late 2021

• Air conditioning and solar panels on the Mt Perry Community Hall

• Half-court basketball court and swimming pool fence upgrade in Gayndah

• Shade over Half Penny Park Playground with perimeter fence in Mundubbera

• Town entry signs in Biggenden, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Monto and Mt Perry to match the existing Mundubbera signs erected by the Mundubbera Enterprise Association previously

• The Bugger the Drought Regional Comedy Tour

• Provision of a Drought Resilience Officer to provide mental health support through North Burnett Community Service Inc

• All abilities park upgrades across the region including disability parking, footpaths, fencing, play equipment, water fountains, seating and tables to ensure kids and people of all abilities can enjoy our recreation areas

• Potable water stations in Biggenden, Eidsvold, Gayndah, Monto, Mt Perry and Mundubbera to allow for 24/7 access to potable water for our residents during times of drought – going live in late 2021

Originally published as Drought Communities Program $2 million cash injection brings relief to drought ravaged North Burnett