Leeton Shire benefitting from $1 million Drought Communities Grant

14 Oct 2019 10:45 AM -

Leeton Shire has benefitted from $1 million of funds received through the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Program.  The funding allocated to Leeton Shire Council has gone towards local infrastructure and a range of other projects supporting Shire communities and businesses.  

Works have included new footpaths to improve pedestrian accessibility, a playground at Waipukurau Park, sporting equipment and tourist trail signage (including completion of the Lyrics, Landscapes and Lintels art heritage trail). Some money from the grant was also used for the successful Art Deco Festival which was enjoyed by over 4000 attendees, with around 30% of those coming from out of town and many of those staying in local motels and eating at local restaurants.

Two major projects still underway are the construction of a new toilet amenities block at the Whitton Courthouse and Historical Museum which will see improved access for the elderly, disabled and bus tour groups and the conversion of the historical Water Conservation & Irrigation Commission building in Chelmsford Place into a Cultural Centre. The Leeton Cultural Centre will have a dedicated exhibition and gallery space to showcase the Shire’s collections and tell the all-important story of water in the MIA through a permanent display. The WCIC building will also receive a new coat of paint externally. 

Leeton Shire Council General Manager, Jackie Kruger, said the Drought Community Program funding has been very welcome: “The drought has started to bite and the funding has provided a great opportunity to bring forward works, generating additional economic activity locally while also delivering important community outcomes.  The projects implemented go a long way to fostering community wellbeing and a solid sense of community pride which all help boost resilience when times are tough.  As a Shire we genuinely appreciate the support the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Program is delivering to our community at a time when annual agricultural production is down and food manufacturers are tightening their belts”.

Leeton’s Drought Funding Program has to be completed in full by 31 December 2019.