Blueprint for the Bush gathers momentum

The Queensland Government’s visionary Blueprint for the Bush is continuing to gain momentum since it was officially launched.

Minister for Communities Warren Pitt said he was pleased to report that several initiatives were already underway, paving the way for changes that would benefit rural and regional Queensland.

Mr Pitt said the Blueprint for the Bush, launched in June, was a comprehensive and far-reaching 10-year plan that would assist in the sustainable economic and social growth of rural communities throughout Queensland.

“Since the launch of the Blueprint, we have continued to deliver on our promise to maintain the momentum and our commitment to this initiative,” he said.

“We have allocated an additional $500,000 to the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative, increasing the Government’s commitment to $15 million.

“Grants are now available as part of the Pest Offensive program under the Reclaim the Bush strategy.

“We will shortly be announcing the first successful applications for Building Rural Links and Rural Multi-Tenant Service Centres funding. And we are calling for expressions of interest in our ‘home stay’ pilot program for geographically isolated students.”

Mr Pitt said there were also a number of behind the scenes initiatives underway, including the establishment of the Blueprint for the Bush Program Office, which would oversee the implementation of the strategy.

“I am also pleased to report that we have signed on eight new organisations as Blueprint associates and finalised a new implementation agreement with the three major partners, the Queensland Government, AgForce Queensland and the Local Government Association of Queensland.

“This historic strategy will ultimately help shape a strong rural Queensland based on sustainable, liveable and prosperous communities for decades to come.”

Media contact:Joe Begley 3235 4286; 0408 701 379