Drought-affected regional communities in Capricornia are set to receive a boost with three new local infrastructure and community projects, as part of a $207 million investment under Round 4 of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the community-based projects were a positive investment in the region’s future.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Capricornia, with three projects receiving $1,806,786 under this latest round of funding,” Ms Landry said.
“These include new social specialised disability housing in Rockhampton, upgrades to Collinsville’s six mega-litre reservoir with a new solar array and health and wellbeing workshops in Collinsville, which will drive economic growth and local jobs at a time we need them most.
“Communities in Central Queensland are continuing to show amazing spirit and strength as they support each other through these tough times and I am glad to see this latest round of BBRF will provide much-needed support at such a crucial time.
“These game-changing projects will transform these communities and help ensure our productive and vibrant region remains strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term and I look forward to seeing these projects boost economic prosperity right across Capricornia,” Ms Landry said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this funding injection to support 163 new infrastructure and community projects across drought-affected regional Australia came at a critical time for communities.
“Regional Australians have endured the devastating effects of a prolonged drought which has affected communities across the country for many years,” Mr McCormack said.
“In addition, regional Australia has withstood one of the most devastating bushfire seasons, floods and now a global pandemic – to say they’ve been hit hard in recent times, is an understatement.
“Their resilience will lead Australia’s recovery through grass-roots projects – creating jobs, boosting local economies and growing confidence in regional communities as a great place to live, work and invest.
“BBRF projects strengthen our local economies and drive much-needed local procurement, with thousands of jobs expected to be supported throughout regional Australia – delivering career pathways and enabling people to stay in the very communities they grew up in.”
Minister for Drought David Littleproud said it was important now more than ever for the Australian Government to continue supporting drought-affected regions.
“Through the BBRF, the Australian Government is continuing its long-standing commitment to regional Australia, making vital local projects a reality, driving economic development and creating stronger partnerships across our regional communities,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We have seen outstanding outcomes from the first three rounds of the BBRF and the drought-focused fourth round will continue that trend by funding critical local infrastructure projects.
“This latest round is an opportunity to support and work together with the one and a half million Australians affected by drought.”
Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council Andrew Willcox said the Building Better Regions fund was a game changer for regional Councils and is another great example of local government and federal government working together to deliver for our community.
“This $836,786 project will enable Council to build resilience into the critical water supply for the Collinsville community,” he said.
“The 200kw solar array will also help Council reduce its overall operational budget with savings in power costs forecast to be $150,000 per annum.”
Details on the three successful projects in Capricornia include:
• Project: Health and Wellbeing for Drought affected Communities
o Proponent: MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT LTD.
o Location: Collinsville
o Grant Amount: $20,000
o Project Summary: The project will deliver three health and wellbeing workshops, and mentoring and coaching for not-for-profit organisations in the Whitsunday Regional Council area.
• Project: Specialised Disability Housing in Rockhampton
o Proponent: MULTICAP LIMITED
o Location: WEST ROCKHAMPTON
o Grant Amount: $950,000
o Project Summary: The project will construct three buildings containing units specifically designed to meet the needs of people living with disabilities and complex needs.
• Project: Collinsville Efficient Resilient Solar Program
o Proponent: WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL COUNCIL
o Location: Collinsville
o Grant Amount: $836,786
o Project Summary: The project will upgrade the six mega-litre reservoir at Collinsville and equip the Water and Sewage Treatment Plants with a 200 kW on-site solar array.
For a full list of successful projects, please visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf
