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163 new infrastructure projects for drought-affected communities

As part of a $207 million investment under Round Four of the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BRFF), 163 new local infrastructure projects will be built in drought-affected communities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this funding injection comes at a critical time for drought-affected communities.

“Many regional Australians are experiencing the worst drought in living memory, some dealing with this stress for more than a decade,” Mr. McCormack said.

“Recent rainfall in many regional areas has resulted in the best start to a winter cropping season in a long time and the forecasts are for above average rainfall.”

He recognised that the effects of the log dry spell will be felt for months if not years to come.

“These projects will go a long way towards building confidence and creating jobs and local procurement in areas that need it most,” Mr. McCormack said.

“Regional Australia has withstood one of the most devastating bushfire seasons, floods and now a global pandemic – to say they’ve been hit hard in recent times, is an understatement.”

The projects are hoped to create local jobs, boost local economies and bolster growing confidence in regional communities as a place to live, work and invest.

The following projects were announced today:

  • Tenterfield Water Treatment Plant replacement, New South Wales ($2,645,000)
  • Disability Respite Care Facility in Goondiwindi, Queensland ($589,523)
  • Construction of Ravensthorpe Cultural precinct in Western Australia ($5,275,800)
  • Extension of Bogan Shire Medical Centre in Nyngan, New South Wales ($350,218)
  • WQLX Transit and Spelling Facility upgrade in Longreach, Queensland ($719,548)

 

There was also funding allocated for community projects such as the Art and Wine Festival in Kadina, South Australia, the Economic Security4Women Connection program in Queensland and more.

“All Round 4 projects will strengthen our local economies and drive much-needed job creation, with thousands of jobs expected to be supported throughout regional Australia, delivering career pathways and enabling people to stay in the very communities in which they grew up,” Mr. McCormack said.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino said regional Australians have an unmatched spirit and resilience.

“Rural and regional Australians are coming together and supporting each other through these tough times and it is important that this latest round of BBRF is providing much-needed support to hard-hit regional communities at a crucial time,” Ms. Marino said.

“Through the BBRF, the Federal Government is continuing its commitment to regional Australia, making vital local projects a reality, driving economic development and creating stronger partnerships across our regional communities.”

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