Central Qld communities get Blueprint for the Bush funding

A number of community projects in Central Queensland will receive a boost under the latest round of Blueprint for the Bush funding, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Main Roads and Local Government Annastacia Palaszczuk said today.

Ms Palaszczuk said the region would share almost $480,000 to fund key local community projects.

“The State Government’s Blueprint for the Bush – Strengthening Rural Communities program offers grants to help rural communities develop and implement projects to improve community capacity, access to transport services and the image of rural areas,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I am pleased to announce that central Queensland communities will receive a total of $478,640 under the latest round of the Our Place, Our Future initiative.

“Our Place, Our Future aims to strengthen and enhance the relationships between rural and urban areas, as well as building the networks and support needed to attract and retain skilled workers in the bush.”

The successful projects are:

·$334,000 over two years for Desert Channels Queensland Inc to extend the current innovative rural landholders and families support, advice and connection program,

·$104,640 over two years for Blackall-Tambo Regional Council to implement the Tambo Urban Design Strategy and Shire Sports Plan, that will promote long-term sustainability for the community,

·$20,000 for Diamantina Shire Council to develop a cultural, social and community development strategic plan that will advance community development and cohesion in Diamantina Shire, and

·$20,000 for the Enterprise Biloela Association Inc to develop Stage 2 of the Biloela CBD streetscape upgrade.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Bligh Government was strongly committed to building strong and sustainable communities across rural and remote Queensland.

"One of the major goals of the Blueprint for the Bush is for communities to be viable and strong, so it is important that they have access to such funding initiatives,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The government’s ongoing investment through the program helps to deliver practical measures to address rural community development issues, assist effective community engagement and help implement existing community plans."