Delivering drinkable water in Outback SA
Outback South Australia is set to benefit from almost $1 million funding under the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream announced today.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said the four projects in the far north of the state were significant investments in building a stronger economy.
“Outback tourism is ever increasing in our state, so this is a fantastic outcome to have so many improvements to facilities taking place,” Mr Ramsey said.
The Outback Communities Authority has received $675,000 towards remote area water treatment plants at Marree, Parachilna, William Creek, Glendambo, Yunta and Blinman.
“This is incredibly important infrastructure; having safe drinking water available is something most of us take for granted. Supplementing supply by trucking water or importing bottled water in times of shortages is expensive and inefficient,” Mr Ramsey said.
“I have been strongly backing this project and very pleased along with the Authority to be able to deliver it.”
Outback Communities Authority Chair, Cecilia Woolford said “I am absolutely thrilled the funding has been approved. Now we can build on the two pilot plants already in operation at Marla and Oodnadatta, working toward the goal of providing reliable drinkable water in all outback communities.”
Other outback projects to benefit from the BBRF; The Marree Sports Club to construct a new $140,000 multi-use learning and community meeting centre, Coober Pedy Retail Business and Tourism Association will receive $21,509 to upgrade the town’s “Welcome to Coober Pedy” signs and $99,000 will go towards a new community centre at Farina which will support local heritage preservation.
Minister for Regional Development John McVeigh said under round two of the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream, the Coalition Government was investing well over $200 million in 136 projects with a total leveraged project value of $459 million.
“This means, in each successful community much anticipated local projects are receiving the funds needed to take a big idea and make it a reality,” Minister McVeigh said.
The second round of the Building Better Regions Fund, which includes the Community Investments stream and the Infrastructure Projects stream, is expected to create some 10,000 jobs from over 240 projects.
Contact: (08)8633 1744
Thursday, 12 July, 2018
