Burdekin initiatives build on Blueprint success

Communities in the Burdekin area are growing stronger thanks to more than $740,000 in funding as part of the Queensland Government’s Blueprint for the Bush.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt is visiting the Burdekin area today to learn more about 12 local initiatives that are helping to achieve the Blueprint’s vision for rural and regional Queensland.

“One year after its launch, the Blueprint for the Bush continues to build momentum and make a positive, lasting impact in the bush,” Mr Pitt said.

“As lead agency, the Department of Communities has fostered more than 170 Blueprint for the Bush initiatives across 22 government agencies, helping to build strong and vibrant communities in rural and regional Queensland.”

Mr Pitt’s tour of the Burdekin area includes a visit to the proposed site of a rural multi-tenant service centre at Wickham St in Ayr – part of a $5.4 million statewide initiative to streamline and integrate community services in the bush.

“The Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre was granted $17,500 to develop a business case for the centre.

“This initiative encourages community-based organisations, local governments and government agencies to co-locate and work together.”

Mr Pitt said two local organisations had received funding as part of the Building Rural Links program, a component of Blueprint’s $29.6 million Strengthening Non-Government Organisations strategy. These include:

• $78,987 to the Burdekin Community Association to establish a youth development plan, and $17,500 to consult and develop a case for a community transport plan
• $17,500 to Burdekin Lifeline Community Care to develop a business plan to consolidate community services.

Another Blueprint funding program, titled Our Place Our Future, is also helping the area and includes:

• $8,000 to the Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation to stage an event for Indigenous youth, and $7,680 for skill development
• $11,750 to the Burdekin Shire Council to stage a 50th anniversary dinner celebrating the Burdekin River Bridge and a further $10,000 to work with other North Queensland councils to exhibit at the Country Week Expo in Brisbane.

“North Queensland won a best exhibitor award at our first Country Week Expo last month, which is no surprise because it is home to passionate people motivated by the same vision to build sustainable and prosperous rural communities,” Mr Pitt said.

“I look forward to hearing more about the vital work being done by local organisations as part of our Blueprint for the Bush at a dinner in Home Hill this evening.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280 or 0417 789 208