Economic boost for communities in Maranoa

July 12, 2021

Murray-Darling Basin communities in the electorate of Maranoa are set to benefit from more than $3.5 million in grants under the third round of the Coalition Government’s Economic Development Program.

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt joined with Maranoa MP David Littleproud to announce six local projects will be awarded a grant under the Program.

Minister Littleproud said the grants helped strengthen and diversify the economies of local communities impacted by aspects of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.

“The projects being funded across my electorate will be rolled out in Thallon, St George and Cunnamulla,” Minister Littleproud said.

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

Minister Pitt said the projects in Maranoa were part of the ongoing announcements regarding round 3 of the program.

“I will announce further successful projects to create new jobs in Murray–Darling Basin communities as these are approved and finalised.” Minister Pitt said.

“We are providing opportunities for Basin communities affected by the Murray–Darling Basin Plan to be at the heart of decisions on how to stimulate their economies.

“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.

“This program recognises that communities know how best to tackle the challenges they face, and what kinds of economic activity would support people in their own areas.

“Across the Basin, people have been dealing with the biggest water reform in Australia’s history along with drought, demographic change and commodity price change,” Minister Pitt said.

“This funding recognises the pressures that many people in 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 Maranoa:

• Cunnamulla & District Show Society Inc – Cunnamulla Showgrounds Electrical Upgrade – $175,770
• Thallon Progress Association Inc – Opportunities from Adversity – $447,780
• Paroo Shire Council – Cunnamulla Pontoon, Jetty and Warrego Boat Cruises Project – $943,474
• Goondir Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Health Services – St George Community Wellbeing Centre Project – Stage 2 – $908,601
• Care Balonne Association Inc. – Women’s Leadership and Business Collaboration – $100,000

Balonne Shire Council – St George River Foreshore – $1,000,000