Palaszczuk Budget empowers Mackay’s thriving communities

Empowering communities to be resilient is a key focus of the 2018-19 State Budget with a multi-million dollar investment to create thriving communities across Queensland, including more than $3 million for the Mackay region.

Announcing the additional funding today (19 June) at the George Street Neighbourhood Centre in Mackay, Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said the State Budget included funding for a new centre at Moranbah and a revamp of the Mackay centre.

“We currently fund 124 neighbourhood and community centres across Queensland, which provide vital information and services to vulnerable Queenslanders,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The 2018-19 budget includes $3 million for the construction of the Moranbah Youth and Community Centre and an additional $20,000 to finish the $1.2 million renovation of the George Street Neighbourhood Centre here in Mackay.”

As the General Manager of the George Street Neighbourhood Centre Association, Nicolette Frost knows firsthand the value of neighbourhood centres for their communities.

“Neighbourhood centres are unique because they respond to the needs of their local communities,” she said.

“The staff at the George Street Neighbourhood Centre are available for information and referrals, support, community education and community development.

“The upgrade to our neighbourhood centre will improve connectivity between building space, increase functionality and efficiency and address overcrowding.”

Through the State Budget, the Palaszczuk Government will deliver a total of $12.7 million of funding for capital works on neighbourhood and community centres across Queensland.

“This includes $6 million for the construction of centres at Inala and East Murgon,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“There is a further $1.7 million to acquire land for new centres at Bowen and Wilsonton, and for the design and development of centres in Kallangur and Yarrabilba/Jimboomba and the Thursday Island Community Hub.

“We will also spend $1.9 million this year on building upgrades, rectifications and compliance works in our existing centres.”

“The 2018-19 Budget reflects the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to building empowered, resilient and thriving communities that are caring and inclusive of our most vulnerable Queenslanders.”

For more information about the 2018-19 State Budget, go to https://budget.qld.gov.au/

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Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389