Rural service access initiative funding announced

A Wide Bay–Burnett community organisation will share in Queensland Government funding of almost $1 million statewide to develop community-based transport initiatives.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the Rural Service Access funding initiative was part of the $30 million Strengthening Rural Communities strategy, a key component of the Queensland Government’s Blueprint for the Bush.

“The Strengthening Rural Communities strategy aims to encourage communities to work together to increase their capacity and capabilities to build more socially, culturally and economically sustainable communities,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Rural Service Access initiative provides resources for local communities to establish coordinated transport schemes within their community or cluster of communities.”

In the Wide Bay–Burnett region, $204,000 has been allocated to the Graham House Community Centre for its Transport Solutions project, which will provide services to South Burnett communities such as Murgon, Cherbourg, Kingaroy, Kilkivan and Wondai

“Funding delivered under this community-based transport initiative will improve access to services for a range of groups in rural and regional communities, including people with a disability, elderly people, young people or people with limited transport options,” Mr Pitt said.

Mr Pitt said projects that had been proposed included the use of school buses during downtime for general community services, upgrading existing buses for disability access, and linking with taxi services to help subsidise local travel.

“I believe these projects will greatly improve residents’ access to services such as medical services, counselling services, youth groups and libraries.”

The Rural Service Access funding initiative will provide $3 million over three years for projects in the Blueprint for the Bush regions. A second round of successful applicants will be announced soon.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280