Federal drought funding sees new ECEC centre and hub open

The Karoonda Early Childhood Centre and Community Hub, located in rural South Australia, was officially opened last week by Member for Barker Tony Pasin. 

The centre build was entirely funded through the Liberal/National Government’s Drought Communities Program, which supports communities in the most drought-affected regions of Australia and builds on the more than $7 billion in additional Australian Government drought support measures already announced.

Since 2015-16, the Government has committed $144.5 million under the Drought Communities Programme to provide immediate economic stimulus for drought-affected communities.

The purpose-built $550,000 Karoonda facility houses childcare services and also provide additional space to cater for a range of community and social activities. 

Eight councils in Mr Pasin’s remit were eligible for $1 million dollars to undertake projects to deliver outcomes for communities in drought.

“While each of these councils are in various stages from planning to completion, I’m extremely proud that I can point to projects that are making a real, direct difference to residents experiencing drought in communities across Barker,” Mr Pasin said. 

Through the projects, he noted, local employment was increasing, which was in turn stimulating local economies and improving services and amenities in respective regions.

“While we can’t make it rain, our Government is supporting our communities in drought. We’re backing in our farmers, and we will always stand up and support our drought-affected communities,” Mr Pasin said.

The Drought Communities Program is available to eligible councils for local infrastructure projects and other drought-relief activities. Project funding is intended to provide short-term support, including by boosting local employment and procurement, and addressing social and community needs.

For information on the Government’s Drought Communities Program please see here.