A slice of $1 million in federal drought funding has come just in time for the Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre, which has long been pushing for a new toilet facility.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Chairman Darryl Jacob has the task of clearing out the compost toilet that is used more than 100 times a day and does not have proper disability access.
"It's pretty horrible ... it should have an out-of-order sign on it now," he said.
"I'm disappointed that three years running, we've put in for Crown lands funding and missed out.
"The usual answer is there's 760-odd applications and there's only so much money.
"We've done a budget for council and we're hoping to put in a septic system with two unisex and one disabled toilets.
"It will use an aerated waste water treatment system."
Greater Hume Council had $175,000 remaining from the drought funding to allocate this week.
Mr Jacob was relieved the toilets at Wirraminna had received $25,000, which will be added to $10,000 from their coffers and a $30,000 loan.
"Overall we're pleased," he said.
"We're now looking at designs that are environmentally friendly."
At the December council meeting, $800,000 was committed to upgrading the playing surfaces at the Culcairn, Henty, Holbrook and Jindera sportsgrounds.
Volunteers at each facility have campaigned for upgrades for a number of years, particularly after a wet winter in 2016 when "arguably at least three of the grounds were in such poor condition, consideration should have been given to closing them for a period of time".
A Culcairn Place Making Study will also be funded, and added on Wednesday to successful applicants was the Brocklesby Recreation Reserve Committee, receiving $40,000 for floor coverings, furniture and catering equipment.
The Walbundrie Building Committee and Walla Sportsground were each allocated $25,000 for upgrades.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The Burrumbuttock Recreation Reserve Management Committee received $60,000 of a requested $68,000 to sink a bore and create irrigation for their sportsground.
Secretary Janice Beesley said the committee spent more than $15,000 to repair their sprinkler system and water the grounds last year.
"We only water our oval prior to commencement of the football-netball season ... because of water being expensive," she said.
"Due to the drought, we do not have access to dam water, and town water is our only option."
She said sinking a bore will allow them to maintain a "green oval that meets all OH&S requirements".
