FUNDING from a Riverland council will help a network of local businesses establish a project manager position within eight weeks.
Renmark Paringa councillors passed a motion at last month’s general meeting to provide the Renmark Paringa Network with $70,000 to fund its Community Business Confidence Initiatives.
Renmark Paringa Network chair Clint Lewan said council’s decision demonstrated a dedication to growing the local business community.
“We’ve been working with council for a while and it’s been good that we’ve gotten it over the line,” Mr Lewan said.
“Mark Bell and Tony Siviour were insistent in giving us a hand, so we’re ecstatic and want to give a big thanks to them.
“They’re willing to support us and our business community. They’ve shown some tremendous faith in us.
“Our members have a pep in their step… I think it’s going to give the network a real boost.”
Council will now fund the initiatives from general revenue, after it was found the projects were ineligible for the Drought Communities Program grants.
Mr Lewan said the funding would be used to create a project manager position within the Renmark Paringa Network, plus a voucher initiative to give customers “extra value” when shopping locally.
“We’re going to be looking at (establishing) a project manager role, which will be a part-time position, in the next six to eight weeks,” he said.
“We’re looking at doing a voucher program and putting a lot of that money into the local economy.
“Customers can log on to a website and buy a voucher… then they will get a certain amount matched by the Renmark Paringa Network.
“That will give customers extra value on their vouchers, while also supporting our member businesses.”
Mr Siviour said support for the Renmark Paringa Network was crucial in helping local retailers adapt and “flourish” through current challenges associated with the COVID-19 emergency.
“(Councillors) wanted to fund, out of general revenue, the Community Business Confidence initiatives put forward by the Renmark Paringa Network,” he said.
“We thought it was important to put our support behind the Renmark Paringa Business Network, so we resolved… to provide them $70,000 to be able to support the retail sector.
“Once retail is up and running again, we’re interested in assisting with driving people through their doors.”