Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
State Budget to help build stronger rural communities
The Queensland Government’s commitment to building strong and sustainable rural communities is set to continue following the release of the State Budget for 2008-09.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the government was serious about building and empowering rural and regional Queensland communities.
“Through the ongoing efforts of the Office of Rural and Regional Communities, this government is working hard to make sure the bush is being looked after,” Mr Pitt said.
“During 2008-09, we will continue to provide funding support for the 170 key initiatives being delivered through the Blueprint for the Bush.”
Mr Pitt said $4.9 million would be provided through the Blueprint’s Strengthening Rural Communities funding program, including:
• $3.7 million for Our Place, Our Future, to help provide rural and remote communities with resources to strengthen their capacity to shape their own future
• $1 million for the Rural Service Access initiative, to provide resources for rural and remote communities to establish community transport schemes, improve access to local services, and enhance community social and economic cohesion
• $200,000 for the Revitalising the Rural Image program, to help communities develop networks and promote rural lifestyles and opportunities to attract skilled workers and sustainable investment.
“On top of this vital funding support, we will continue to lead whole-of-government community engagement activities throughout the regions,” Mr Pitt said.
“This includes the regular Ministerial Regional Community Forums and Regional Managers’ Co-ordination Networks that are held around the state.
“As a government, we are absolutely committed to building the regions and giving all Queenslanders living in rural and remote communities access to the best services and essential infrastructure possible.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said the government was serious about building and empowering rural and regional Queensland communities.
“Through the ongoing efforts of the Office of Rural and Regional Communities, this government is working hard to make sure the bush is being looked after,” Mr Pitt said.
“During 2008-09, we will continue to provide funding support for the 170 key initiatives being delivered through the Blueprint for the Bush.”
Mr Pitt said $4.9 million would be provided through the Blueprint’s Strengthening Rural Communities funding program, including:
• $3.7 million for Our Place, Our Future, to help provide rural and remote communities with resources to strengthen their capacity to shape their own future
• $1 million for the Rural Service Access initiative, to provide resources for rural and remote communities to establish community transport schemes, improve access to local services, and enhance community social and economic cohesion
• $200,000 for the Revitalising the Rural Image program, to help communities develop networks and promote rural lifestyles and opportunities to attract skilled workers and sustainable investment.
“On top of this vital funding support, we will continue to lead whole-of-government community engagement activities throughout the regions,” Mr Pitt said.
“This includes the regular Ministerial Regional Community Forums and Regional Managers’ Co-ordination Networks that are held around the state.
“As a government, we are absolutely committed to building the regions and giving all Queenslanders living in rural and remote communities access to the best services and essential infrastructure possible.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819