ANOTHER 22 projects and nine events are set to go ahead in the Gannawarra shire following approval by the federal government for a second tranche of funding from its Drought Communities Program – Extension.
The second grant brings to $2 million the funding for Gannawarra from the initiative, which was announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in September last year to benefit drought-declared municipalities.
The funding confirmation will increase the number of initiatives from 37 first-round projects - many of which are already underway around the shire - to 69 in total, the council said.
Among the new projects are the revitalisation of Lake Charm and Quambatook community halls, extensions to the Benjeroop Hall and the upgrade of toilets at Lake Meran.
The initiative will also see solar panels installed at the Lalbert community complex, Murrabit market office and Murrabit Recreation Reserve clubrooms.
All projects are due to be completed by December 31.
However, nine events that have won support are dependent on the easing of social distancing measures currently in place to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
Gannawarra Shire Council mayor Cr Lorraine Learmonth said the initiatives had been identified from a variety of sources, including the 2017-2021 Gannawarra Shire Council Plan, proposals for the State Government’s 2018 Pick My Project program and applications for the Council’s 2019 Community Grants program.
Cr Learmonth said the second-stage funding would also support the Council’s Community Resilience Program - now in its third round - which provides $40,000 in funding annually for small activities that promote social connectedness and mental wellbeing.
A full list of Gannawarra shire projects supported by the Drought Communities Program – Extension funding is available on the council’s website at: www.gsc.vic.gov.au/droughtfunding.