The Federal Government will invest $560,000 into Stuart Town in an effort to give the drought hit town water security.
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The Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee MP, announced the funding grant alongside Dubbo Regional Mayor Ben Shields.
The money is being delivered through the Drought Communities Program which was first used in the 2015 - 2016 period to direct funds to drought hit communities.
In August 2018, the programme was boosted extensively and broadened to include funding infrastructure programs and other drought-relief initiatives.
This round of funding will be used to supply Stuart Town with a non-potable water source for residents usage.
“Water security is one of the biggest hand brakes on growth in country NSW, so anything we can be doing to secure that supply is going to be hugely beneficial. This project will involve connecting Stuart Town’s community facilities, like the community hall, to reticulated bore water, as well as a pipe stand area for residents and farmers to access,” Mr Gee said.
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“This major injection of federal funds is designed to assist our farmers, towns and surrounding regions get through what is the worst drought in living memory.”
Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields said the project was a 'very important' investment for the people of Stuart Town.
“The issue of water at Stuart Town has been a concern for a long time. I have had numerous conversations with residents who have found it tough without a decent water supply and Council has been looking at ways to improve the situation,” Mayor Shields said.
“The drought has made the conditions even tougher and has hastened the need for another water source so the Drought Communities Programme has provided a great chance to make this a reality."
Mayor Shields also highlighted the increased opportunities that a steady supply of water would provide for other avenues in Stuart Town including tourism.
“The Boehme’s Hall Committee has been very vocal about the ability to draw free campers to the recreation ground if there was water there so they will now have the chance to promote that.”
The full project will include a completed bore fully equippet with a submersible pump and controls, a pipeline to carry water from the bore to three 20,000 litre poly storage tanks and a water filling station at the Fire Brigade shed.