David Littlerpoud MP David Littlerpoud

Texas school children bouncing back from drought with new play equipment

May 4, 2022

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud hit the playground at the Texas State School today, for a first-hand look at the impact of a $60,000 grant from the Liberal National Government’s Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) program.

Mr Littleproud met with school children along with Principal Sue Hendriks and Texas State School Parents and Citizens Association President Greg Finlay to inspect the new middle school playground facility, funded under Round 20 of the TTTT program.

“I am a firm believer that all children deserve the same educational opportunities and access to facilities, regardless of their location, so I am thrilled to see the TTTT funding flowing to bush schools like Texas,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The new playground will support and challenge the physical and mental growth of children in grades 3 to 6, encouraging them to learn through play in this vibrant and high-energy environment.”

Mr Littleproud said that the Australian Government’s $15 million grant to the FRRR Tackling Tough Times Together program was helping to rebuild the local economy of drought-affected areas.

“We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with local groups like school P&Cs to help deliver crucial projects that will strengthen regional economies and social bonds in drought-affected communities.

“Even though many parts of the country have received significant rainfall, the impacts of the extended dry periods and prolonged rainfall shortages are still prevalent and problematic. This funding has injected much needed support into the Texas community and contributed to their ongoing economic recovery from drought, along with the additional stress and challenges caused by COVID-19.

“The Federal Government is backing regional Australia every step of the way to ensure communities bounce back stronger than ever.”

More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program 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.