A $1 million boost has been given to the Gwydir Shire Council to help spur economic recovery from the devastation of the drought.
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A new swimming pool, street make-overs and water supply improvements are on the agenda for Bingara and district, coming from the second lot of the Federal Government's Drought Communities Program funding.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the new projects will be undertaken by Gwydir Shire Council and follow the delivery of an initial $1 million each for all 10 local government areas in the New England.
Upgrades to the Upper Horton water supply include drilling a new bore, installing water tanks and installing pipework to underground. There will also be tree planting, street furniture, disabled footpaths ramps and hand rails installed in Bingara and Warialda. Bingara will also get a brand new swimming pool.
The first round included new asphalt to local roads around Bingara and improvements to the Gwydir River foreshore. Gwydir Shire Council general manager Max Eastcott welcomed the announcement of funding for the projects.
"Council is excited to have the ability to expand upon the wonderful work that was completed in Round One of the Federal Government's Drought Communities Programme," Mr Eastcott said.
"The community works' projects adopted in Round 2 again enables council to employ residents who are affected by the drought but also outsource specialist work to local businesses.
"These projects will have a positive impact on our community with an initial direct injection of funds along with a continual contribution to the economic activity of our Shire."
Mr Joyce said the funding will build on the community confidence following recent rain and help support economic recovery from drought.
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"The effects of this drought on farmers and communities in the Gwydir Shire are far from over," Mr Joyce said.
"That's why we are continuing to roll out support like this which will create jobs, improve local infrastructure and keep money ticking through our towns, no matter the circumstances.
"We are here for communities like Bingara and the surrounding villages, be it from drought, flood or now Coronavirus, and we will be here to support them for as long as it takes."
