Maranoa MP: Strengthening community assets on the Southern Downs  

February 13, 2020

Improved water storage to fight bushfires and a new gym floor at a boxing club will throw more weight behind the Southern Downs’ punches, thanks to a $22,900 investment through round five of the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme (SCP), Maranoa MP David Littleproud said.

“I’m very pleased and relieved that the Broadwater-Amiens Rural Fire Brigade will now be able to install two large water tanks at its shed to help fight bushfires,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We’ve seen firsthand how devastating bushfires are here on the Southern Downs and around Australia this summer – it’s important we prepare for the future with the right assets.

“The water tanks will bring peace of mind to residents and make the rural fire service at Broadwater-Amiens fully independent of community water supplies to refill the fire trucks.

“SCP is about strengthening our community ties and nothing says that louder and more clearly than having a supply of stored water to fight bushfires.”

The Warwick Boxing Club will see a $2900 investment through SCP for new rubber matting in its gym.

“The Warwick Boxing Club is utilised by many sports groups including the local swimming and rugby league club during their off-season,” Mr Littleproud said.

“By improving the condition of the matting in the boxing club’s gym, sports groups across Warwick are benefitting and improving health and fitness too.

“I’m a firm believer in bringing people together and improving community services across Maranoa because it has a positive flow-on effect on our quality of life and how we support each other.

“Our regional communities are the heart of this country and I want to make sure that small capital projects are funded and the community and its assets get exactly what they need.”

Round 5 of the Stronger Communities Programme has seen $150,000 in Federal Government funding made available to Maranoa community groups.

Project grants range from $2500 to $20,000 to help bolster rural communities.

Last week, the Seventh Day Adventist Church secured $5250 to build a shed to house the Warwick Community Van.

ENDS