Leaving its mark on the events calendar will be a key goal for the Southern Downs, with council securing a $41,037 investment through the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), Maranoa MP David Littleproud said.
“Shaping the future of events in the Southern Downs has never been more important,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We’ve been battling severe drought and COVID-19 has hit the local economy too.
“The Southern Downs Regional Council will deliver a strategic events plan that focuses on bringing people together for a good time.
“They’ll host the Granite Belt Bites, Beats and Bounce event – geared towards our youth to get involved and enjoy some music, food and physical activities.
“Additionally, an events plan will be delivered, called Shaping the Future of Events on the Southern Downs. This is an important step to take in determining how the region can better harness the tourism trade and show our urban cousins what’s great about our region.
“I want to see our events continue to grow in size and popularity and bridge the rural/urban divide.”
“I’m a firm believer in bringing people together to support each other through thick and thin because it has a positive flow-on effect on our communities, quality of life and how we support each other.
“This BBRF boost for the Granite Belt Bites, Beats and Bounce event and the strategic events plan reflect this.
“I look forward to seeing what new initiatives council come forward with.
I’ve now secured more than $45 million through BBRF projects in the Maranoa electorate since 2016 which is a great result for communities in our part of the world.
“BBRF funded projects go a long way to improving services, events, facilities, creating jobs and securing our fair share for communities that have been battling through drought.
Round Four of BBRF includes a total $200 million in grants, with projects falling under the Infrastructure Projects Stream or the Community Investments Stream.
The Infrastructure Projects Stream: Supports projects that involve construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure
The Community Investments Stream: Funds community development activities including new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, leadership and capability building activities.
Across Maranoa, 12 BBRF infrastructure projects will be funded with $21,204,009 and seven BBRF community projects will be funded with $138,087.
Round Four BBRF infrastructure projects across Maranoa include:
| Organisation | Project | BBRF Infrastructure Investment |
| Care Goondiwindi Ltd. |
The project will construct a 3 x 3 bedroom unit facility for Disability Respite Care within the CBD of Goondiwindi. |
$589,523 |
| Australian Age Of Dinosaurs Limited |
The project will construct an extension to the existing laboratory space; and the installation of approximately 24 km pipeline to supply water to the museum and connect to two 20,000 litre tanks and solar pump equipment. |
$415,333 |
| Balonne Shire Council |
The project will create a new Library Hub and revitalising nearby greenspace and a courtyard. An existing Cultural Centre will be refurbished to add an Art Gallery and Annexe. |
$5,000,000 |
| Chinchilla Family Support Centre Inc |
The project will construct three additional offices for use by the Chinchilla Community Centre, visiting services and community groups. |
$77,712 |
| Roughlie Community Centre Inc. |
The project will provide a multi-purpose facility as a venue for industry-related workshops and social engagements and act as a central point for the residents of Roughlie during emergencies. |
$160,420 |
| Quilpie Shire Council |
The project will deliver a multipurpose facility for the residents of Gyrica Gardens, a residential complex that helps elderly (over 65s) residents to live independently in the community. |
$707,763 |
| Windorah Rodeo Club |
The project will expand the back yards of the Windorah Rodeo Club arena. |
$41,250 |
| Bulloo Shire Council |
The project will construct four new ground-level aged care units with parking including a specifically designed recreation and health centre facility as a central hub for elderly residents in the Bulloo Shire. |
$1,785,110 |
| South Burnett Regional Council |
The project will upgrade sections of Haly, Glendon, Kingaroy and Alford Streets and surrounding infrastructure in Kingaroy, Queensland. |
$4,500,000 |
| Stanthorpe Netball Association Inc. |
The project will construct four multi-purpose courts at Stanthorpe Netball Association, replacing the existing courts which are unsafe and no longer fit-for-purpose. |
$150,850 |
| Western Downs Regional Council |
The project will upgrade the existing two-storey cultural building to create a new cultural precinct. |
$7,056,500 |
| Longreach Regional Council |
The project will construct eight drought-resistant paddocks and infrastructure to facilitate the safe transit and accommodation of cattle. |
$719,548 |
Round Four BBRF community projects in Maranoa:
| Organisation | Project | BBRF Community Investment |
| Clifton And Districts Chamber Of Commerce |
The project will develop a tourism and events strategy, marketing plan and development plan for a new tourism event. |
$20,000 |
| Southern Downs Regional Council |
The project will deliver a comprehensive strategic events plan the Southern Downs region with a focus on social and economic sustainability. |
$21,037 |
| Australian Camp Oven Festival Millmerran Inc |
The project will deliver the first Camp Oven Dinner Under the Stars event for the Australian Camp Oven Festival in October 2020. |
$16,300 |
| Southern Downs Regional Council |
The project will deliver a youth-focused event promoting music, food and physical activity. |
$20,000 |
| Roma Business Development Association Inc |
The project will create a strategic plan to drive economic growth and build a sustainable local economy for the Roma region. |
$15,000 |
| Thallon Community Services Ltd |
The project will provide a strategic plan to maximise the region’s opportunities to improve tourism and the overall sustainability of the community. |
$20,000 |
| The Yarraman Business Group Inc. |
The project will deliver a free festival at the finish line of the Brisbane Valley Festival of Cycling. |
$25,750 |
