$1.1 million to flow to locally chosen community projects in Cunnamulla

July 12, 2021

Cunnamulla is set to benefit from more than $1.1 million in grants under Round 3 of the Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program, Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced today.

“Two locally-chosen community projects will be funded in Cunnamulla to strengthen and diversify the economies of local communities impacted by aspects of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The projects were put forward by locals who know best how to tackle the challenges they face, and what their communities need.

“We’ve listened to communities and this is something we’re doing to help them recover.

“Each of the selected projects will help our communities by using local suppliers and resources as well as through local knowledge to drive the best outcomes for our region.

“In Cunnamulla, the Paroo Shire Council will receive $943,474 for the Cunamulla Pontoon, Jetty and Warrego Boat Cruises project.

“This project will provide a major tourism boost to Cunnamulla by constructing a pontoon and jetty on the Warrego River, and purchasing a vessel for river cruise tours.

“The Cunnamulla & District Show Society Inc will receive $175,770 for an electrical upgrade at the Cunnamulla Showgrounds, improving the facility to host more events at greater capacity and boosting visitor numbers for enhanced community resilience.

“Each and every project will make a positive and lasting difference in their region.”

The approved projects will create new jobs as they are delivered as well as enduring employment opportunities, increase the capacity of communities to diversify and strengthen their local economies, and help them to manage their current and future economic challenges and changes.

“Cunnamulla has done more than its fair share of heavy lifting for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This funding recognises the pressures that many people in the Basin’s rural and regional communities are under, and seeks to create new economic activity and job opportunities for impacted communities.”

Close to $39 million of funding has already been approved under Rounds 1 and 2 of the program for a huge array of activities-throughout Murray-Darling Basin communities.

List of projects in Paroo successful under Round 3:

• Cunnamulla & District Show Society Inc – Cunnamulla Showgrounds Electrical Upgrade – $175,770
• Paroo Shire Council – Cunnamulla Pontoon, Jetty and Warrego Boat Cruises Project – $943,474

Fast Facts:

More than $6.2 million for projects in Cunnamulla under Murray-Darlin Basin funding programs, including:

• $4.992 million for the Paroo Shire Council to develop the Cunnamulla Artesian Hot Springs and the Warrego River Walk
• $710,000 for the Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation’s Chronic Disease and Wellbeing Centre through the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
• $500,000 for the Stimulating South Queensland Sheep Production Project led by Lifeline Darling Downs and involving the Paroo Shire Council.