Funding for Ashford, Spring Ridge drought projects

25 Oct 2019

The drought-affected communities of Ashford and Spring Ridge are the latest to benefit from the Australian Government’s $15 million support of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together initiative.

 

The Government will provide $12,240 for the Rural Shindig 2019 at Ashford. This event will provide an evening meal and entertainment in November at the Ashford Showgrounds.

 

A further $60,000 will fund the upgrade and renovation of the Spring Ridge Country Club. This will ensure safety and structural soundness of building, reduce volunteer fatigue and increase the capacity of the organisation and the local community.

 

Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Government was pleased to support the vital work of the FRRR, which includes assisting rural, regional and communities in coping with emergencies and natural disasters.

 

“Whether you’re on the land or run a shop in town, there is a broad range of people in our community doing it tough because of drought,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“That’s why we’re investing in a range of assistance including $15 million over three years for the FRRR to help drought-affected regional communities build social cohesion, address disadvantage, support economic renewal and increase social and educational participation.

 

“Just this year alone, we have helped fund 10 projects under this program in our New England Electorate.”

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the program will greatly assist local communities.

 

“These projects will help drought-affected communities cope with the stress of the drought on families and businesses in rural communities while also contributing to the local economy and infrastructure renewal,” Mr McCormack said.

 

Minister for Drought, David Littleproud said the Government was backing drought-affected communities by providing more than $7 billion in drought assistance and concessional loans to support those experiencing hardship.

 

“This support reflects our ongoing commitment to farmers, regional industries and rural communities around the country,” Mr Littleproud said.

 

Recent projects funded under this program in the New England:

 

$13,725 - Deepwater & Districts Community Radio Inc for its Outside Broadcasting Project.

$20,000 - Quota International of Walcha Inc for its project ‘Walcha Sound Sights’ Project.

$44,000 - Tamworth Regional Council for the Woolomin Playground Project.

$4,930 - Trustee for Cassilis War Memorial Park for ‘Working in Groups’ drought workshop.

$19,980 – GLENRAC to build skills, knowledge, confidence in drought management and recovery in Glen Innes.

$3,255 – Ben Lomond community to help fund a night of entertainment for those impacted by the severe drought.

$22,088 - Barraba Public Art - Silo Project to deliver large scale mural on town silos.

$20,000 - Tamworth Regional Landcare Association for the 2019 North West Rural Leadership Program to workshop productive change in rural communities.

 

About Tackling Tough Times Together

Tackling Tough Times Together grants are managed by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), and funded through the collaboration of more than 15 donors from government, philanthropy, business and individuals, including the Australian Government which committed $15 million to be distributed over three years.

 

 

(ENDS)

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