Canowindra Golf Club has received a vital grant to assist them flick the switch on a solar panel and battery project through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program (DCP) Extension funding.

Calare MP and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, Andrew Gee welcomed the funding announcement during a visit to the Club on Tuesday.

“The Canowindra Golf Club is a fantastic community facility which residents of all ages can enjoy.

“Unfortunately it too has taken a hit from the impacts of COVID-19, so I’m delighted that the Club has received this funding to give it a helping hand in getting back on its feet,” Mr Gee said.

The funding is part of the $1 million Cabonne Council received recently under the Drought Communities Programme Extension.

Paul McKenzie, President of Canowindra Golf Club, said the project would be carried out by local tradespeople from Canowindra and nearby Manildra.

“The annual power bill at the Club is around $45,000, so this solar project will mean a big saving to the Club in the future,” Mr McKenzie said.

The Drought Communities Program supports projects that go towards the development, upgrade or maintenance of projects across communities to boost community development, economic stimulus and jobs after the prolonged drought.

“The Drought Communities Program has brought real and lasting benefits to Cabonne communities during an extraordinarily difficult time.

“It’s given the towns an economic leg-up by getting key community infrastructure up and running and employing local builders and tradies,” said Mr Gee.

In total, $301 million has been committed to the program over four years to deliver an immediate economic stimulus in communities facing hardship.