Maranoa MP secures $33 million for community building projects in Central West Queensland

October 9, 2020

Maranoa MP David Littleproud has secured over $33 million towards community building projects in Central West Queensland to stimulate the local economy and boost regional tourism, as part the Coalition Federal Government’s Economic Recovery Plan for Australia.

 

“I’m proud to see our regional communities getting their fair share in 2020-21 Budget, with funding to flow to priority community building and local infrastructure projects, supporting the local economy at the time it is needed most,” Mr Littleproud said.

 

“Central West Queensland areas of Longreach, Winton, Barcaldine and Blackall-Tambo will benefit from $33,260,191 through extensions to the Building Better Regions Fund, Drought Communities Programme Extension (DCPE), the Community Development Grants Programme and the Stronger Communities Programme.

 

“This funding will drive community-led recovery by supporting local councils and community groups in Maranoa to deliver the projects that matter most to them, to boost local jobs and help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“We are continuing support for the Building Better Regions Fund with $200 million towards a fifth round, including $100 million dedicated to tourism-related infrastructure supporting the regions to recover from COVID-19.

 

“Projects like the Australian Age of Dinosaurs laboratory extension, supported by $415,222 through the BBRF, will build community spirit and drive important economic and tourism benefits for the Winton region.

 

“$1.8 Million in BBRF funding will go towards the Barcaldine Aged Care Residential Village – Stage 2, to support older residents who want to remain in their community, a project that will improve community facilities while also creating jobs in the Barcaldine region.

 

“Maranoa communities will continue to benefit from the $335.5 million Drought Communities Program Extension, with local infrastructure projects and drought related activities nearing completion across the electorate.”

 

Longreach residents will benefit from $15 million towards the expansion of the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and $11.3 million for the Luminescent Longreach projects nearing completion under the Community Development Grants Programme.

 

Total funding allocations for Central West Queensland areas under LRCIP, Roads to Recovery Program and Financial Assistance Grants:

Barcaldine Region: $2,805,310

Blackall-Tambo Region: $1,020,000

Longreach Region: $28,019,548

Winton Shire Council: $1,415,333