Funding boost for social infrastructure

Not-for-profit organisations can receive a share of $8 million in grants from the Palaszczuk Government to upgrade community infrastructure and accelerate COVID-19 economic recovery.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Steven Miles said the Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership (CIIP) competitive grants program will prioritise projects supporting critical social and job-readiness services.

“We’re inviting not-for-profit organisations across the state to apply for funding to help Queensland’s economic recovery,” Mr Miles said,

“Around $8 million is being made available to enable expansions, upgrades or rebuilds of existing facilities in high-need communities.

“Neighbourhood and community centres which provide localised access to child, family and community services are encouraged to apply.

“Priority will be given to co-funded construction-ready projects that can be completed by June 2022.

“The program is open to not-for-profits that own land or assets or are delivering social services from council-owned facilities.

“The grants program will support an additional 26 construction jobs and a range of social service delivery and administrative roles across the state.

“By working in partnership with these organisations, the Palaszczuk Government will deliver improved social infrastructure and services as part of our ongoing COVID-19 recovery effort, as well as create local jobs.”

Treasurer and Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said the $15 million CIIP program also includes the flagship initiative Access Economic Hub in Logan Central.

“The Logan project is all about community,” Mr Dick said.

“It will give participants a head start on employment readiness, job training, social enterprise and business incubator services, and also link those involved to social services,” Mr Dick said.

“The flagship Access Economic Hub will support up to 22 construction jobs.

“We’re now looking to support other projects around the state, and I encourage eligible not-for-profits to apply for a share of this funding pool.”

Community Services Industry Alliance CEO Belinda Drew welcomed the CIIP program, saying supporting community infrastructure is vital to ensuring services are delivered in a timely manner.

“It’s great to see the Queensland Government supporting not-for-profit groups to deliver innovative and improved facilities that will enable improved services for high-need communities,” Ms Drew said.

“The program encourages partnerships and innovation that will inform future service provision to meet community needs exacerbated by COVID-19.”

Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership (CIIP) competitive grants program is in line with the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Economic Recovery Plan and the Strategy for Social Infrastructure which supports place-based community-driven solutions to local issues.

Applications close 16 March.

View the funding and eligibility guidelines here: www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/ciip

ENDS

Media contact:           Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484