FNQ communities urged to apply for rural funding schemes

Far north Queensland residents have been urged to apply for two Queensland Government initiatives that specifically target rural and remote communities as part of the Blueprint for the Bush.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the two initiatives – Our Place, Our Future and the Rural Service Access Initiative – provided funding for communities wanting to take charge of their future.

Mr Pitt, who was in Atherton today for the Beattie Government’s 100th Community Cabinet meeting, said the funding schemes reflected the government’s commitment to strengthening the state’s rural communities.

“These schemes have the capacity to bring real benefits to our rural and remote communities,” Mr Pitt said.

“We’ve had discussions with local community groups as part of the Community Cabinet meeting in Atherton and we’re keen to stimulate even more interest in the funding packages.”

Under the Our Place, Our Future initiative, the Queensland Government will provide $7.72 million over three years.

These funds will allow rural and regional communities to develop networks, infrastructure and relationships that, ultimately, will result in more socially, culturally and economically sustainable communities.

Mr Pitt said two categories of funding were available: one for planning and engagement, and another for project implementation.

“Planning and engagement funds are designed to help engage community members in developing plans or strategies that may lead to longer-term projects,” he said.

“Grants of up to $20,000 are available under this category for projects such as community planning workshops, conducting research or hiring town planning or community development specialists.

“Funding for the second category, project implementation, is available for projects that activate existing community plans, social plans or strategic plans.

“To be eligible for this category, communities will need to show that they have already engaged the community in establishing priorities and plans.

“The amount of funding available under this category is flexible, although support from other sources, either in-kind or financial, is required.

“Successful projects could include cultural festivals or activities that improve the infrastructure or economy of the local community.”

The $3 million Rural Service Access Initiative offers funding assistance for rural and remote communities wishing to introduce local transport solutions.

Mr Pitt said grants of up to $150,000 over three years were on offer to help provide accessible transport in rural communities.

“The Rural Service Access Initiative will provide resources for local communities to set up and administer a coordinated transport scheme within their community or cluster of communities,” he said.

“It will improve accessibility to services for people with special needs, such as people with a disability, elderly people, young people or people with limited transport options.

“Examples include using a school bus for the broader community when it isn’t needed for the school run, or linking with a taxi service to help subsidise local travel for certain people in the community,” he said.

The second round of applications for the Our Place, Our Future initiative close on 30 April. Four rounds are assessed each year.

The closing date for Rural Service Access Initiative grant applications is 26 March 2007.

For more information about these funding schemes, contact the Department of Communities’ Rural and Regional Communities Officers (RRCOs), who coordinate Blueprint for the Bush programs. The north Queensland RRCOs are based in Atherton (4096 5277), Townsville (4760 7444) and Mt Isa (4745 0031).

Media contact: Joe Begley, 3235 4280