MONEY allocated to Leeton Shire Council from the federal government to help reinvigorate the community has helped a number of projects along.
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The funding, which was announced in March this year, was to the tune of $1 million, with council having to allocate where it would go.
The money was part of the government's drought communities program.
It comes as Leeton was also allocated further assistance in the last week from the federal government, which will help farmers on the ground with their mounting bills and will assist with support services.
Council said since the first round of money had been allocated, it had helped move several projects along.
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Works have included new footpaths to improve pedestrian accessibility, a playground at Waipukurau Park, sporting equipment and tourist trail signage, including completion of the Lyrics, Landscapes and Lintels art heritage trail.
Some of the funding was also used for the successful Australian Art Deco Festival, which was enjoyed by over 4000 attendees, with around 30 per cent of those coming from out of town.
Two major projects still underway are the construction of a new toilet amenities block at the Whitton Courthouse and Historical Museum, which will see improved access for the elderly, disabled and bus tour groups and the conversion of the former Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission building in Chelmsford Place into a cultural centre.
This centre will be a dedicated exhibition and gallery space and it will also receive a new coat of paint externally.
Council's general manager Jackie Kruger said there was no doubting the drought was starting to bite.
"The funding has provided a great opportunity to bring forward works, generating additional economic activity locally, while also delivering important community outcomes," she said.
"The projects implemented go a long way to fostering community wellbeing and a solid sense of community pride, which all help boost resilience when times are tough.
"As a shire we genuinely appreciate the support the (federal government's program) is delivering to our community at a time when annual agricultural production is down and food manufacturers are tightening their belts".
Leeton's drought funding program work has to be completed in full by December 31.
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