A range of projects across Narrabri Shire will be funded with a financial boost from the federal government.

Narrabri Shire Council has been successful in securing $1 million for the Narrabri Shire Community Activation Project through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme Extension fund.

“The funding criteria targeted projects that provide work for people whose employment has been
impacted by drought, and will stimulate local community spending through the use of local resources, businesses and suppliers,” said the mayor Cathy Redding.

“The projects must also provide a long-lasting benefit to communities and the agricultural industries they depend on. Feedback was sought from the community in November 2019 for suggestions on community projects that could be considered in this round of DCP funding and council received many suggestions which were considered in terms of eligibility criteria set by the Federal Government,” said Cr Redding.

Cr Redding said she was delighted with the announcement. “This additional $1 million will further improve community infrastructure through spending on materials and trades locally as well as allow us to provide beneficial community initiatives and programs. The community would be surprised to know just how many businesses benefited directly either through the purchase of products or services supplied through the first round of DCP funding received in 2019 and we are excited about the opportunities this funding will provide local businesses”.

Projects that will be completed with Drought Communities Programm Extension funding include:

• Bellata Recreation Precinct – installation of playground area • Upskilling project for agricultural staff • Baan Baa Hall community barbecue area • Cook Oval, Wee Waa – fencing, oval surface maintenance and irrigation system installation • Dangar Park, Wee Waa – replacement of amenities facilities • Community Facilities Upgrade project – upgrade of community facilities via an expression of interest process • Narrabri Shire Marketing Campaign – media campaign to promote the Narrabri Shire •Merton Street Project – Signage to promote visitors to the Boggabri CBD area •Narrabri Shire Community Connect Mental Health Event • The Crossing Theatre cinema upgrades.

Facelift for two cinemas

The Crossing Theatre’s two cinemas are having new seating installed and are being re-carpeted and repainted as beneficiaries of some of the $1 million in the federal government’s Drought Communities Program Extension fund.

The shutdown of the cinemas because of COVID health regulations has, unfortunately, provided an opportunity for the work to go ahead without disruption to normal movie screenings.

New charcoal and orange seating has been installed in cinema two and work is well advanced in cinema one.

Disability seats will be included in the new configurations.

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