As a result, key works now planned include a $200,000 facilities upgrade for the Euroa RSL building, $205,000 to upgrade the Euroa Saleyards and $125,000 for a floating water park at Nagambie.
The second allocation awarded through the scheme builds on the $1 million secured late last year, taking the total to $2 million in drought recovery funds. The scheme supports projects that provide long-lasting benefit to the community through refurbishments and infrastructure projects.
Euroa RSL President, Phil Munt, said the works now underway at the RSL are much-needed and will greatly increase amenity for the important community facility.
"Once the building has been completed, and we have this lovely veranda overlooking Sevens Creek, the building will be more open and welcoming for the public," Mr Munt said.
"We will also have more space available, so we can more easily display our memorabilia."
Strathbogie Shire Mayor, Cr Amanda McClaren, said the latest allocation allows Council to deliver further important works for the community.
"It spreads money throughout the community, while getting important projects completed that will benefit our community for years to come," Cr McClaren said.
"This funding also allows us to divert internal spending into other projects, meaning even more work is getting done in our community."
Cr McClaren said Strathbogie Shire has been rightfully recognised as experiencing hardship due to drought.
"The drought itself has impacted the agriculture sector more than anyone else, both farmers and associated industries and workers," she said.
In addition, the Federal Government has extended delivery deadlines for projects related to the first funding allocation, due to the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Government's drought stimulus package provides support in three main areas, including:
- immediate action for those farmers experiencing drought such as the Farm Household Allowance and Drought Community Support Initiative
- support for wider communities affected by drought such as the $2 million Strathbogie Shire has received as part of the Drought Communities Program, and
- long-term resilience and preparedness, such as the Future Drought Fund.
Councils identified as drought affected, such as Strathbogie Shire, were able to apply for funding, under the government's requirement that activities supported wider communities affected by drought.
Works planned for Strathbogie Shire funded through the second allocation of the Drought Communities Program (subject to Federal Government approval):
| Piping water from Lake Nagambie to recreation reserve | Cost: $125,000 |
| Water infrastructure tanks | Cost: $220,000 |
| Floating water park at Nagambie | Cost: $125,000 |
| Strathbogie Recreation Reserve pavilion | Cost: $125,000 |
| Saleyards upgrade | Cost: $205,000 |
| Euroa RSL upgrade | Cost: $200,000 |
