1 Million Reasons for APC Community to Smile!
Adelaide Plains Council is thrilled to announce that it will receive $1m in funding through the Federal Government’s ‘Drought Communities Programme’.
In March 2019, Council was listed as an eligible council for the extension to the Drought Communities Programme in regional South Australia. The Programme supports communities impacted by drought through funding local community infrastructure and other drought relief projects.
The funding will be used to deliver 15 local community projects including upgrades to local sporting facilities, investment into heritage and memorial projects, new facilities for local community groups, as well as sustainability infrastructure improvements and a mental health support project.
We are excited to announce that the following projects have been successful in receiving funding:-
- Mallala Netball Club – facility upgrade/resurface
- Long Plains Netball Club – facility upgrade/resurface
- Two Wells Bowling Club – artificial turf
- Parham Campground upgrades
- Mallala Campground redevelopment
- Dog Park Development at Lewiston
- Equine Facility Development at Clara Harniman Reserve, Lewiston
- Dublin Cricket Clubroom upgrades (Stage1)
- Historic Wells upgrade at Two Wells
- Moquet Lee Pinery Fire Memorial
- Thompson Beach Progress Association – shed redevelopment
- Council Sustainability Infrastructure Improvements including: solar panels on Council owned buildings, efficient lighting and water saving devices
- Coordinator of Drought Funding Projects
- Mental Health Workshops
- Completion Celebration Event
All projects are subject to meeting the Federal Government Drought Communities Programme Criteria and delivery of the projects will involve close collaboration and engagement with local community groups and residents. The projects will increase employment, stimulate the local economy and result in improvements to local facilities and amenities for the Council area.
It is also anticipated that further value-adding to the projects will occur through both financial and in-kind contributions from local community groups and Council, which will result in a total of approximately $1.8M of economic investment being rolled out over the next nine (9) months.
The Programme was introduced at a much needed time for our community, with some of the funding projects having been in the pipeline for 15 years and it is anticipated that delivery of these projects will be largely community driven. Many clubs, sporting facilities and individuals have been in discussions over the past two (2) months and it is a credit to the amount of cocontributions that are to be provided by groups to maximise the economic stimulus into the region.
In acknowledging the funding from the Federal Government, Council’s Chief Executive Officer, James Miller said, “We thank the Federal Government for the substantial benefits that this funding opportunity will bring to our Council area. It is critical that we support our small business sector through streamlined procurement processes and engagement of local services and products. I encourage all of our small businesses to ensure they are on our business list to be included and benefit from this exciting program, where possible.”
Irene Giannikos, speaking on behalf of successful recipient the Two Wells Bowling Club, said, “Wow, I never thought this would happen in my time – congratulations Council and thank you.”
Further information on the Drought Communities Programme is available online at www.business.gov.au/assistance/drought-communities-programme.
Mark Wasley
Mayor
2019