LIBERALS AND NATIONALS CONTINUE TO BACK COMMUNITIES IN DROUGHT
North Queensland-based Senator Susan McDonald has congratulated the Boulia Golf Club on winning $60,000 in funding from the Morrison Government to complete upgrades under the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together Program.
Senator McDonald visited Boulia late last year to help open the new federally-funded town hall and jockey changerooms.
She said this latest funding injection showed the Government was pleased to support the Foundation’s crucial work of stimulating regional economies while strengthening social connections in drought-affected communities.
“The Tackling Tough Times Together program has a range of benefits, including keeping money flowing through shops and suppliers and creating jobs for communities which have been disadvantaged by drought,” she said.
“The Boulia Golf Club is known as ‘the hub of the shire’, and while golfers might struggle to find a decent lie on the famously parched fairways, the clubhouse is legendary as a local watering hole and social venue for everyone.
“This money is part of a total $82,000 being awarded to repair and improve the old clubhouse.
“Having somewhere to see friendly faces and socialise is a huge part of Outback life, and especially in drought, so this grant and the $1.5 million in other grants from this round spread across Australia are going to a great cause.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said rural and regional Australia is continuing to show amazing spirit and resilience as they support each other through these tough times.
“Large parts of regional Australia have received some good rainfall over the past few months, with many farmers having the best start to the winter sowing season in years, but the drought is far from over,” Mr McCormack said.
“We are absolutely committed to standing side by side with these hard-working communities – whether it’s through drought, the recent bushfires or the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am glad to see these grants providing much-needed support to our hard-hit regional communities at such a crucial time, with this latest round of funding to be delivered to community groups.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said projects supported through the program help rural communities cope with the stress of drought on families and businesses while contributing to the local economy and infrastructure renewal.
“Many projects funded this round will help reduce volunteer fatigue, enhance social participation and boost the operations of local not-for-profit organisations, which are all crucial to drought-affected regional communities,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Projects funded through the program this round include an Outback Drowning Prevention Program for youth in Alpha, a Recovery Festival in Condobolin and an airstrip at Parachilna to better connect the community with the rest of Australia, the economy and critical services such as the Flying Doctor.
“Standing together is important now more than ever and communities can rest assured the Government continues to have their back, with money already flowing through rolling grants as part of our more than $8 billion drought support package.”
More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website at www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs.