Two more multi-tenant service centres for rural Queensland

Community-based organisations in Longreach and Charters Towers will each receive initial funding of $17,500 to begin planning rural multi-tenant service centres.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the funding was part of the first stage of a $5.4 million Queensland Government initiative to streamline and integrate community services in rural and remote areas.

“The Rural Multi-Tenant Service Centres funding initiative is part of the $30 million Strengthening Rural Communities strategy under the Queensland Government’s Blueprint for the Bush,” Mr Pitt said.

“The aim is to encourage and support community-based organisations, local governments and government agencies to co-locate and work collaboratively.

“It involves combining resources and sharing facilities to boost the capacity of community-based organisations and maximise the range and quality of services available to people in rural and remote areas of our state.”

Mr Pitt said funding would be provided over three years to establish multi-tenant service centres in five rural and remote locations. Similar funding was announced last month for the Lockhart River and Burdekin shires.

“The latest funding – for the Charters Towers Neighbourhood Centre and the Longreach Shire Council – will allow these groups to develop business plans to implement rural multi-tenant service centres in their communities,” Mr Pitt said.

“Further funding of up to $1 million will be available for each location to meet the associated costs of establishing a combined service centre.

“The Queensland Government is committed to working with community-based organisations to help them tackle common issues and deliver more efficient and appropriate services to rural and remote communities,” he said.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280