People living in the Tenterfield region will benefit from a further $1 million in Australian Government funding to support community infrastructure and other drought-relief projects through the expanded Drought Communities Program.
The latest projects include an upgrade to the Drake Village Resource Centre, more signage across the shire to improve the visitor experience; preservation of the historic Wilsons Downfall Cemetery and revitalisation of Rouse Street and High Street in the Tenterfield CBD.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the Drought Communities Program is helping to keep local economies going even through the tough times caused by the drought.
“This program is so important to the people of Tenterfield because it helps keep people in work, the cash-flow going around town and ensures that local businesses can continue operating,” Mr Joyce said.
“It builds on more than $3 million in Australian Government funding already delivered for the Tenterfield Shire under previous rounds of the Drought Communities Program, bushfire support and infrastructure-building initiatives designed to support local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19.”
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud MP said the program would create jobs for people struggling to find work because of drought.
“Make no mistake, we’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with drought-hit communities in the New England,” Minister Littleproud said.
“We’ve committed more than $10 billion to drought and that includes investments to make our communities resilient and better prepared for the next drought.
“The $2 million we’re spending in Tenterfield under the Drought Communities Program will help the local economy to recover from the effects of the drought, fires and now the COVID restrictions.
“This investment is a great local example of how this Liberal Nationals Government is delivering long-lasting benefits to communities and the agricultural communities on which they depend through investment in both the DCP and our broader drought support package.”
Tenterfield Shire Council Mayor, Peter Petty, expressed his delight at the announcement of the funding.
“The revitalisation of the Tenterfield CBD will have a huge impact on our economy. Encouraging visitors to Tenterfield means they can then be enticed to visit our villages and rich historic sites and will ensure that our valuable heritage is not lost and can be celebrated by all. In addition, for the community of Drake who suffered immense hardships during the fire events of 2019 and 2020, the upgrade of facilities in their village will be very welcome in providing the infrastructure to ensure they are able to deal with any similar events”, Mayor Petty said.
(ENDS)