Council received a report for its July 2019 meeting, advising it is eligible for $1 million, as one of 14 additional councils funded under the Federal Government Drought Community Programme – Extension.
At council’s latest monthly meeting, in Urana on August 21, Federation Council’s General Manager Adrian Butler advised of the extended time which will allow the steering committee to be reformed and membership widened.
“It was initially thought that there was a deadline for applications to be submitted, but it appears the application process remains ongoing, however the program ends on 30 June 2020 and all projects must be completed by this date,” he told councillors.
“The minimum grant amount per application is $25,000. Applications can include multiple unrelated activities up to the total funding amount of $1 million per eligible council. With council required to finalise projects under the latest round of the State Governments Stronger Country Communities program by 27 September, and several other grant programs available, this is considered timely.”
Some projects could be funded across either of the grant programs, so by delaying the drought funding projects until at or after the September council meeting, this will allow proper consideration as to which stream to submit projects under.
“Consideration will need to be given to the creation of any inbuilt or ongoing costs, including future wages for new positions or programs, and maintenance and other costs if new or upgraded assets are proposed,” Mr Butler said.
“These options are not recommended without thorough consideration of the impact on council’s Long Term Financial position.”
At Cr Bronwyn Thomas’s request, council will seek to have the minimum grant application in excess of $25,000.
In answer to a question from Cr David Longley, council will seek a wide cross representation on its steering committee.
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