Narrandera Shire Council has welcomed the announcement of $1,000,000 in grant funding through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme Extension.
Council proposed nine projects and all have been approved, which is a fantastic outcome for the community.
The program will include the development of an Adverse Event Plan totalling $50,000, which will meet the needs of our community and ensure business continuity. Specific factors include water supply security and continued infrastructure operations at critical times.
The implementation of a $150,000 Rural Assistance Program where Council will work with community members to identify suitable community projects, with the aim of employing locals and delivering projects that directly support those in our community who have been most impacted by the drought.
Further works will be carried out at Lake Talbot Water Park. This project will focus on the roadway area and will include replacement of the stone retaining walls with concrete retaining walls and some landscaping. This project has been allocated $150,000.
Each of the playgrounds at Narrandera and Barellan sportsground, together with the Liberty Swing in Marie Bashir Park, will see shade sails placed above the equipment to provide suitable sun protection for children playing, valued at $80,000 combined.
At Barellan the old changerooms at Barellan Sportsground will be demolished and a new irrigation tank installed. Plus, a festive tree will be constructed for display in the town.
The Grong Grong improvements project valued at $10,000 will mean new street banners and street trees can be installed along town entrances off the highway.
Five village halls will have improvements totalling a combined $150,000:
- Grong Grong Hall – additional air-conditioning
- Barellan Hall – new disabled access at the entrance
- Sandigo Hall - vermin proofing of the kitchen and kitchen upgrades
- Binya Hall - new flooring, heating & cooling and a new water tank
- Kamarah Hall – Painting the exterior of the building including minor maintenance and repairs
The sky-lighting will be replaced at Narrandera Stadium, together with a partial refurbishment of the stadium amenities, kiosk and foyer area.
Finally, Henry Mathieson Oval will gain a new amenities block following the demolition of the old toilet block.
Mayor Cr Neville Kshcenka has welcomed the second round of funding, particularly the monies for the community halls, “This continues Council’s program of upgrading the community halls and is just reward for those hard working committees.”
The program is designed to inject funds into drought affected communities through the employment of locals and purchasing materials from local businesses. While these specific projects are expected to lead to the retention of businesses, services and facilities in Narrandera Shire.
As part of the grant conditions all projects must be completed by 31 December 2020.
For more information please contact Emily Currie, Senior Project & Asset Engineering on 02 6959 5510 or email council@narrandera.nsw.gov.au .
