The streets of Cockburn are getting a makeover with work currently underway.
Led by Frontier Services, in partnership with the Cockburn Progress Association (CPA), the goal is to make the town more attractive and liveable.
“It’s a facelift to lift our spirits,” CPA transition assistant Ryan Esam said. “Now that people are travelling, now is the time to do it.”
The beautification project includes maintenance, fence removal, earthwork, planting trees and general work.
The upgrades are funded through Frontier Services, an agency of Uniting Church in Australia and supported by the CPA.
“The before and after photos are going to be very nice,” Mr Esam said.
Mr Esam, who also runs the local hotel, said it’s great that the groups of people can come together for this cause.
“They are wonderful people and it’s great to be a part of it,” he said. “It’s a big commitment from everyone in the area.”
With an ageing population, the CPA member is concerned that available funding (through grants) may not be accessible without the input of new skills.
“We are running out of skill for grant writing,” Mr Esam said.
“There might be funding out there but you got to be able to access it.”
The town is equipped with adequate infrastructure but still seeks more support to help increase its population in the future.
Mr Esam calls for more assistance for other communities along the Barrier Highway.
“We want to look at more houses so people can come and live here,” he said.
“We want support for the whole of the Barrier Highway in SA and NSW.”
Passers-by and visitors will notice the difference when the work is complete in the near future.
