Access to education in the Balonne region will be made more accessible and efficient with a $5 million Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) investment for the creation of the Library Hub in St George.
Maranoa MP David Littleproud said in addition to creation of the Library Hub, people who want to study higher education qualifications will have direct access to services and support through the Balonne Universities Centre (BUC) when it opens.
“Developing the Library Hub and opening the BUC raises the bar for the Balonne community in what people can hope to achieve locally, without having to move away,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The Library Hub and BUC will give our young and mature age students – and those looking to build on their skills – a chance to go to study locally, close to the support of their family and community.
“This is going to change the lives of many people in the Bush. Within the region, 28% of students are studying for a higher-level qualification with limited internet access.
“With study spaces, IT and internet access, administrative and academic support services and pastoral support, the Library Hub and BUC will provide a place for students to engage in learning with more efficiency and achieve a tertiary qualification.
“It’s exciting to see that BUC will include two university hubs – St George and a secondary site in Dirranbandi – to make sure that services are reaching further inland into our communities.
“Increasing the number of skilled professionals in the Balonne region is going to open doors and pave the way for more business opportunities in the future.”
Regional Education Minister Andrew Gee said the new Centres will provide opportunities for students in regional and remote Australia to gain a tertiary qualification without leaving their local community and support networks.
“This is about equality of opportunity for country people and giving them the same access to education as their city cousins.”
In Maranoa, two Regional University Centres will be opened, with the other being the Country University Centre in Roma, under the Federal Government’s $53.2 million Regional University Centres program.
More information about Regional University Centres can be found at: https://www.dese.gov.au/regional-university-centres
The BBRF investment in the Balonne Region includes:
Creation of the Library Hub, revitalisation of a green space and refurbishment of the existing Cultural Centre to add an Art Gallery and Annexe.
Additionally, Thallon Community Services has received a $20,000 BBRF investment to develop and market an event that helps to boost tourism.
BBRF projects fall 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 |
ENDS
