ROAD upgrades and launching a suicide awareness program are among the ways a Riverland council is using Federal Government funding.
The Federal Government last month announced Renmark Paringa Council would receive a second allocation of $1 million under the Drought Communities Program, to be used for projects that addressed “community needs” in rural towns.
Renmark Paringa director corporate and community services Tim Pfeiffer said council had chosen to fund projects that would result in economic and social benefits.
“We are excited to have the green light and we are eager to get on with delivering these projects,” Mr Pfeiffer said.
“Council has spread the drought funding over a diverse list of projects in order to get the maximum community benefit.”
Mr Pfeiffer said the projects would focus on local road upgrades, improving water usage, plus the establishment of a local suicide awareness program.
“Increasing the capacity of the waste water treatment plant will enable us to use more recycled water and be less reliant on the river,” he said.
“Sealing and re-sheeting roads will enable the agricultural sectors to have better access to transport routes.
“The Connecting with People program will train key individuals within the community in suicide awareness and prevention.”

Renmark Paringa Drought Communities Program projects
- Kerb and watertab