David Littlerpoud MP David Littlerpoud

Federal funding flows to Granite Belt

November 23, 2021

The Federal Government continues to back communities in Maranoa impacted by and recovering from drought with two organisations on the Granite Belt set to receive a total of $24,928 under Round 22 of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together program.

New art classes in Pikedale and the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival’s Food and Wine Fiesta are two of nine new projects sharing in over $345,000 announced today. This federal funding injection will be amplified by co-investments that bring the total value of the projects to almost $1.4 million.

Federal Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud said these grants will provide a much-needed boost to the community.

“Funding of $4,928 will be used to hold a series of art classes in the Pikedale community to help the local community to meet, connect, refresh and take their minds off the hardship of the recent drought,” said Mr Littleproud.

‘The Stanthorpe Festival Association will use their $20,000 grant to engage artists to provide entertainment and workshops at the Food and Wine Fiesta on the main weekend of the 2022 Apple and Grape Festival. New to the festival will be the Street Science stage show with passionate science communicators mixing humour, exciting demonstrations and quality scientific explanations into an interactive science experience to be enjoyed by all ages.”

Mr Littleproud said that these projects not only provide economic stimulus but also help reduce social isolation, increase social and educational participation, address disadvantage for youth, reduce volunteer fatigue and build local capacity.

“We’ve already seen fantastic benefits flow from the projects supported so far so I can’t wait to see this next round build on that legacy to achieve even more in our communities,” Mr Littleproud said.

The Government has committed a total of $15 million to the Tackling Tough Times Together program, with $13.7 million of this already out the door to make over 420 projects a reality for drought-affected communities.

More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found on the Foundation’s website at https://frrr.org.au/TTTT or by visiting the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website at www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs.

ENDS