Cr Harmon credited council staff for their comprehensive submission. 

“Our staff made sure that anything we put forward, any projects that we put up actually met the criteria, so we didn’t have to actually go back and reapply,” he said.

“I’m very pleased that we’ve met all the criteria and our shire will benefit from the million dollars that the federal government are putting towards boosting our economy.”

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The funds will be split into $900,000 for upgrading infrastructure and energising rural communities, $100,000 for the Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Choose Inverell marketing strategy.

Cr Harmon said the council and chamber are both interested in attracting a wider range of visitors and even new residents to our shire. He said local businesses were already starting to feel the pinch as farmers tighten their wallets due to the drought.

“We want to be conscious of the fact that our surrounding shires - they’re also struggling - so we don’t want to spend lots of money getting people here to the detriment of other shires,” he said.

“That is a key aspect of it as well, to look at how we actually attract people, not only to come and spend some money in a shop and holiday, but also in the longer term."

With a more flexible criteria allowed for the remaining $900,000, the council will consider a variety of community programs and infrastructure projects to receive an allocation of funds in their December 19 meeting. 

“One of the key things was about building community resilience. We know that our community are resilient, but in times when things are getting tough, people’s spirits can be down a bit,” Cr Harmon said.

“Some of the programs that we’re looking at running can be just a barbecue at a rural hall, whether it be at Nullamanna, Yetman, Ashford or Wallangra, Delungra - it doesn’t really matter as long it’s part of our shire.”

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