Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz has been advocating on behalf of the Scenic Rim, to be made eligible for further assistance under the Drought Communities Programme (DCP) and has welcomed the regions inclusion.
The Scenic Rim Regional Council will receive $1 million in drought related funding to support the economies of towns and villages, such as Boonah, Beaudesert, Aratula, Tarome and Kalbar that have been impacted by the drought.
“I’ve been fighting for our region to be included in this drought programme. By providing funding to the Scenic Rim Regional Council, we’re investing funds into local projects to boost the regional economy,” Mr Buchholz said.
In recent months, many of the small towns and villages across the region have been hit by drought and fire, impacting their local economies.
Mr Buchholz said the objective of this programme was to deliver community infrastructure and economic stimulus in drought-affected regions.
“Townships across the Scenic Rim, like Beaudesert and Boonah, and all of the surrounding towns and villages such as Roadvale, Kalbar, Moogerah, Kooralbyn, Rathdowney, Aratula and so on have felt the effects of drought.
“Businesses in these areas rely heavily on our rural industry, whether it be the local hardware supplying fencing wire and feed, the service station providing diesel or the various cafes and bakery’s selling lunches.”
“During drought, many do it tough in these areas and the entire local economy takes a hit as a result of less production and reduced purchasing – they are flow on impacts.
“There is no silver bullet for the drought, recent rain has been encouraging – but we should, can and will support regional economies through this,” Mr Buchholz said.
“While we absolutely welcome recent rain, the effects of this drought will be felt in the overdrafts of our growers and graziers accounts for many years to come,” Mr Buchholz said.
Eligible activities under the programme include new community facilities, upgrades or maintenance of buildings, community spaces and other works that employ local contractors.
Mr Buchholz encouraged locals to get in touch with the Scenic Rim Regional Council and provide their ideas on projects for this funding.
