Cowra Council will be receiving an additional $1 million from the federal government, designed to provide immediate economic stimulus to drought-affected communities to invest in local community projects.
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The Drought Community Funding Program is intended to lead to the additional employment of locals, contribute to the economic activity of the Cowra community, and lead to the retention of businesses, services and facilities.
Expressions of interest are now open to Cowra Shire community groups to apply for funding for local infrastructure and facility projects as part of the program, with Council to assess each of the projects when received.
"We as a community are still in the midst of a terrible drought, and the federal government can see that," Cowra Mayor, Councillor Bill West said.
"We acknowledge and thank the government for this funding, which will assist the region during this drought, but will also create a legacy and benefit the community into the future.
"Council are looking for EOI's from our community to put this money back into our Shire and into the pockets of businesses within our region, with projects under this programme aimed to provide relief and benefits to the wider community, not individuals."
This drought funding comes on top of the $1 million Council received in May 2019, which saw the funding be distributed across a number of community projects including the Cowra Showground community canteen, the Woodstock Soldiers Park pathway and entrance redevelopment, the Morongola Showground upgrade, the final stage of Council's CBD Footpath Refurbishment Project and resilience mental health workshops held by the Cowra Information & Neighbourhood Centre.
To be eligible for the funding, a proposed shovel-ready project must be at least $25,000 of eligible expenditure and the project must be completed by December 31, 2020.
"This drought-funding is specifically for constructing new local community infrastructure and facilities or repairing or upgrading older facility and spaces, with consideration of the capacity to maintain these facilities into the future," Cr West said.
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"While it is a limited amount of money, this may be your opportunity to gain funding for local community projects.
"These projects must be shovel-ready and could be anything from improving your sporting facilities or repairing amenities buildings to building new bike pathways."
Information on how to apply and whether your local community project is eligible, can be found on Council's homepage: www.cowracouncil.com.au
For more information, contact Cowra Council's Grants and Executive Projects Officer, Lawrance Ryan on 6340 2035 or email: lryan@cowra.nsw.gov.au