Work to start soon on upgrade of Tenterfield based Landcare office

Projects like the upgrade of the Granite Border Landcare (GBL) office in Tenterfield reflected the Community Building Partnership (CBP) scheme’s main aim , Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay said when he visited the town last week.
“The idea behind the program is for the state government to work with councils and community groups to improve local infrastructure and support worthwhile ventures that build community capacity,” he said. The MP was given an outline of the $21,700 project to be financed through a $14,400 CBP grant, with $3750 in cash and kind from GBL to be matched by Tenterfield Shire Council.
Work is expected to begin soon on the project to replace old carpets and curtains, line some office walls and paint the inside of the building.
“The local Landcare office has an important role to deliver information, programs and workshops to landholders in the surrounding area,” Mr Torbay said.
“The office area has not been renovated for 30 years so it’s great to see that through this partnership between the government, council and Granite Border Landcare the project can go ahead.”
GBL provides services to landholders in the Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, Emmaville and Deepwater areas.
These include soil erosion control projects on around 100 properties as well as re-vegetation, sub tropical pasture and alternative fertilizer product projects.
Field days, workshops and bus trips are all part of the programs run from the GBL office which employs one full time and three part time staff.
Mr Torbay said the latest Community Partnership Grant applications from the electorate were currently being assessed.
“Last year communities in the Northern Tablelands managed to turn the $400,000 allocated to our electorate into projects worth $1.2 million through the added contribution of local councils and community groups,” he said. “That is certainly a great way add value to government schemes to upgrade and develop infrastructure in our region.