Mount Isa initiatives continue local Blueprint for the Bush success

Communities in the Mount Isa area are growing stronger thanks to funding of more than $5.37 million through the Queensland Government’s Blueprint for the Bush.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt is touring the Mount Isa area today with local Member Betty Kiernan to get progress reports about seven 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 is coordinating 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 Mount Isa area starts with a visit to the proposed site for a cattle camp to assist Indigenous youth in need, an initiative of the Good Shepherd Parish through North-West Queensland Indigenous Catholic Social Services.

“A permanent camp of this kind has the potential to achieve great personal growth for youth — helping to build brighter futures for those caught in cycles of poverty, crime, substance misuse, and limited education and employment opportunities,” Mrs Kiernan said.

“The cattle camp aims to build on the success of previous land and beef drives by establishing a permanent, financially viable base and I’m pleased that the State Government is helping to get the project off the ground.”

Mr Pitt said the service was granted $20,000 in funding under the Our Place, Our Future program – part of the Blueprint for the Bush — to develop a business plan for a residential facility offering courses promoting life skills and vocational development in a pastoral setting.

Mrs Kiernan and Mr Pitt will also visit the Living Equipment and Medical Aids Project (LEAP), a Mount Isa Community Development Association initiative that has also received $20,000 in funding to develop strategies for sustainability and future growth.

“Projects such as these have the capacity to bring real benefits to rural and remote Queensland, strengthening our communities for many years to come,” 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 presentation in Mount Isa today.”

Mr Pitt is visiting areas in north Queensland this week to learn more about 50 regional initiatives, involving more than $15.6 million in Blueprint for the Bush funding.

Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280 or 0417 789 208
Mrs Kiernan’s Office 4742 2530