SA region receives drought-relief funding to build childcare centre

The District Council of Karoonda East Murray, west of Adelaide, will receive $550,000 funding for a purpose-built facility which will house a childcare service and provide additional space to cater for a range of community and social activities.

The funding is part of the Australian Government’s $81 million Drought Communities Program targeted at projects that provide long-lasting benefits for communities in drought-affected areas.

The Member for Barker Tony Pasin announced the funding approval, stating “While much of the media attention of this drought has been focused on conditions in New South Wales and Queensland, I’ve been on the ground listening to people living through dry conditions here in Barker and I understand that things are tough for individuals and communities. This is why I fought for the Drought Communities Program to be extended into the driest regions of South Australia.”

Mayor Caroline Phillips told The Murray Valley Standard “We know the provision of good quality, accessible, affordable and sustainable care will be a key component to our district’s economic future.

“It will also mean we can attract new families to the district and support others to stay,” she said.

The Karoonda East Murray Council plans to begin operating the service from the middle of 2019.