Neighbourhood centres boosted in State Budget

Vulnerable Queenslanders will be better supported thanks to a boost for neighbourhood centres of $6.9 million over four years announced in the 2016-17 State Budget.

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said the funding will enhance and support neighbourhood and community centres across Queensland so they can continue their vital work.

Ms Fentiman said $3 million will be directed to employ Community Connect workers to help Queenslanders access support for domestic and family violence, counselling, parenting help, financial literacy and other social programs. Additional funding will be provided to 43 small neighbourhood centres to enhance their sustainability, returning much-needed funds that were stripped away by the previous LNP government.

“Neighbourhood centres are the backbone of our community,” Ms Fentiman said.

“These hubs play such a vital role in providing people with access to information, advice, workshops, local events, counselling and support.”

Ms Fentiman said the Palaszczuk Government recognised there was an increase in demand for local support services in some small communities.

“The vital work of neighbourhood centres will be extended with the rollout of new community workers in 12 neighbourhood centres across the state,” Ms Fentiman said.

“These specialist workers will provide additional support to meet the needs of vulnerable people in Manoora, Darra, Lockyer Valley, Gympie, Eagleby, Nerang, Chinchilla, Blackall-Tambo, Upper Ross, Bowen, Monto and Mossman.

“This vital State Budget boost will enable communities to deliver more activities, and will open up new opportunities for Queenslanders.

“More community connect workers will mean people with high needs won’t miss out on the kind of services they need, with extra services available for those who are affected by domestic and family violence.

"Increasing the base funding of 43 neighbourhood centres throughout Queensland to $110,000 will restore much-needed funds that were stripped away by the previous LNP government.”

The 2016-17 capital program includes extra funding for neighbourhood centre replacement and upgrades:

• $1.2 million in 2016-17 ($3.5 million in total) to establish a new community centre on department-owned vacant land at 79 Poinsettia Street, Inala.
• $1.1 million in 2016-17 ($2.6 million in total) to replace the existing neighbourhood centre at Taylor Street, East Murgon which is not fit-for-purpose.
• $200,000 in 2016-17 ($1.2 million in total) to undertake a major upgrade of the existing neighbourhood centre in George Street, Mackay to improve connectivity between building spaces, increase functionality and efficiency and address overcrowding.
• $400,000 in 2016-17 to upgrade the Women’s Community Centre at Mackay to improve operational efficiency of the facility and allow the Women’s Centre and the Domestic Violence Resource Centre to provide flexible joined-up service responses.
• $3.5 million in 2016-17 for building upgrades comprising $1.5 million to continue the Building Code compliance upgrades program for state-wide neighbourhood centres and $2 million for general building upgrades and minor works.

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