Queensland communities have shared in more than $52 million to fund 20 new infrastructure projects in the second round of a jointly-funded grant program supported by the resources industry and Queensland Government.
The $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF) was established through a voluntary partnership, which saw $70 million invested by coal and mineral companies through the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and a $30 million contribution from the Queensland Government.
Round Two of the RCIF will deliver more than $52 million for 20 new projects across 15 regional communities. A full list of supported projects is available below.
QRC Chief Executive Officer, Ian Macfarlane, congratulated grant winners across 15 regional communities, whose funding has been approved for projects as diverse as new playgrounds and sporting facilities to a new Royal Flying Doctor Service aeromedical base in Mt Isa.
Mr Macfarlane said the $70 million contribution by resources companies to the RCIF was on top of the $28 billion spent last financial year by Queensland mining and energy operators on businesses, charities and supporting clubs.
“Anyone living in a resources community knows resources companies are traditionally very generous and proactive in coming forward to support local events and activities,” he said.
“Our industry knows how important resources communities are to our ongoing success, and also how important our sector is to regional Queensland’s future in terms of providing local, highly paid jobs and good business opportunities.
“It’s a partnership because when our industry is doing well, the first people to benefit are in the regional communities in which we operate as well as the state economy, which last year received an $84.3 billion boost from our sector.”
Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Steven Miles, said the Government was working with the resource sector to deliver for regional Queenslanders.
“Queensland communities should be the first to benefit when the resource sector they support succeeds,” Mr Miles said.
“That’s why the Government has partnered with the resources sector to deliver the $100 million fund, with Round Two announced today.
“Round Two of the RCIF will deliver more than $52 million for 20 new projects across 15 regional communities.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service will receive a new aeromedical base, co-located with a new LifeFlight base, in Mt Isa so they can continue to deliver their excellent services for our most remote communities and establish Mt Isa as a major aeromedical hub.
“Childcare and early learning services will receive a boost with a new facility in Cloncurry and a new services hub in Julia Creek.
“We’ll improve regional Queenslanders’ already great lifestyle with an upgrade to the Springsure Aquatic Centre, the Biloela Splash Park, and a Mt Isa aqua play facility.
“Congratulations to all the many recipients of this fund, we’re proud to be working with the resource sector to deliver it.”
The 20 projects and recipients for Round Two of the RCIF includes:
| Banana Shire Council | Biloela Splash Park and Playground | $2,702,500.00 |
| Barcaldine Golf Club Inc. | Club House Amenities Replacement | $147,000.00 |
| Castle Hill Spinney Ltd T/A Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia | Keeping Families Close. RMHC North Australia Playroom | $250,000.00 |
| Central Highlands Community Services Ltd | CoWork Capability Centre: Digitally Connected Central Highlands | $3,737,494.00 |
| Central Highlands Regional Council | Springsure Aquatic Centre Renewal and Upgrade | $5,000,000.00 |
| Cloncurry Shire Council | Curry Kids Early Learning Centre | $4,393,200.00 |
| Collinsville Golf Club Inc. | Refresh and Reconnect – Transform our Clubhouse | $452,210.00 |
| Emerald Karting Club Inc. | Emerald Kart Club Track Lighting Project | $991,300.00 |
| LifeFlight Foundation Ltd | Infrastructure for New Aircraft and Service Expansion | $3,981,435.00 |
| Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council | Cullen Point Camping and Mission Site Development | $2,898,324.00 |
| McKinlay Shire Council | Julia Creek Community Children’s Services Hub Project | $6,296,300.00 |
| Moranbah Netball Association Inc. | Moranbah Netball Association Kiosk and Clubhouse Replacement | $590,931.00 |
| Mount Isa City Council | Aqua Play Facility | $996,408.00 |
| Palmyra Drag Racing Club Inc. | Palmyra Braking/driver/rider Area Works | $951,010.00 |
| Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section) Ltd | New RFDS Mount Isa Aeromedical Base | $6,927,114.00 |
| St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland | Mackay Community Support Centre | $5,218,875.00 |
| Weipa Town Authority | Rocky Point Community Youth Precinct | $3,330,000.00 |
| Whitsunday Regional Council | Collinsville Aerodrome Lighting and Runway Upgrade Project | $1,815,083.00 |
| Whitsunday Regional Council | Collinsville Football Club – Upgrade | $370,000.00 |
| Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council | Woorabinda Community Hub and Disaster Recovery Centre | $1,660,971.00 |
| Total | 20 applications | $52,710,155.00 |
