The long-awaited library hub in St George and secondary university hub in Dirranbandi have been officially opened, thanks to $5 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
As well as a brand-new library hub that includes a state-of-the-art learning complex which will incorporate a regional university hub, the St George project has revitalised the nearby greenspace and courtyard, and upgraded the existing cultural centre to include an art gallery and annex.
To ensure education services are reaching further in the Balonne community, Dirranbandi’s secondary university hub will also allow people who want to study higher education qualifications, direct access to services and support.
The two intertwined projects have been rolled out simultaneously to bridge the education divide, ensuring students in regional and remote Australia can gain a tertiary qualification without leaving their local community and support networks.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the project is another example of Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud’s determination to deliver for the people of this region, to make sure the community infrastructure they need and deserve is funded and delivered.
“This is our nationwide $1.38 billion Building Better Regions Fund in action, helping to deliver locally important infrastructure and community projects, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Construction has already delivered critical economic benefits at a time it was needed most, supporting 13 jobs and cash flow to the region.
“The project will also increase local retail and community services and support additional training and educational services in the town that will provide a long-term economic boost.”
The new library includes collection and general reading areas, a quiet reading room, a makers space, a staff workroom with kitchenette, and two community meeting rooms.
The refurbished Civic Centre now includes a foyer art gallery, two new large meeting rooms, green spaces, a courtyard between the new library and the centre, and a new façade.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said by improving these key community facilities and amenities, the project will bolster opportunities for locals to engage with each other and with the fantastic lifestyle the region has on offer.
“The new St George Library Hub Precinct will also be used as a fun space to deliver education programs and services for the community, bolstering opportunities for locals to learn and upskill here in their very own backyard,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This complements other community projects we’ve already delivered in the region including over $226,000 for the St George Golf Club upgrade, $70,000 for the Dirranbandi Showgrounds Revitalisation, $140,000 for the Hebel Showgrounds, $131,450 for the Balonne Aquatic Centre, $160,000 for the Balonne Skate Park and $480,000 for fibre and CCTV in all Balonne townships.
“The Australian Government will continue to invest in and deliver the community and infrastructure projects that matter to locals, tourists, and businesses.”
Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole said the aim of building The Hub was to create a dynamic complex in the centre of St George, integrating an expanded library, business facilities, better equipped campuses for the Country Universities Centres and a revamped cultural centre.
“The Hub provides resources and services that students and business people might once have had to travel away from the region to find or simply go without,” Mayor O’Toole said.
“It will help us further reduce the differences between living in regional Queensland versus living in the city.
“The project has also created a vibrant precinct, improving both the functionality of the spaces and creating street appeal in the current central location in Victoria Street.”
Mayor O’Toole said local residents appreciated the Commonwealth Government funding that had made the project possible.
“More than 80 percent of the $6 million funding for the construction of The Hub has come from the Commonwealth. Balonne Shire simply would not have had this marvellous new resource without the partnership with the Government and we appreciate them investing in our community. “
For more information on the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/building-better-regions-fund-bbrf.
