Resources communities to apply for $53 million funding

Applications are open for Queensland’s resources communities to share in over $50 million in project funding to improve infrastructure and enhance community wellbeing.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said not-for-profits and local councils were encouraged to apply for round two of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).

“The RCIF is a $100 million partnership formed between the Queensland Government and resources sector to ensure we keep giving back to the resources communities who support our state’s economy,” the Premier said.

“We’re now pleased to open round two and keep the project pipeline flowing following the December 2021 activation of $47 million in round one local projects.”

Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles said applications open today and are scheduled to close on 27 April.

“Applicants can seek from $100,000 up to $8 million per project,” Mr Miles said.

“This will ensure that communities will gain the range of projects that best suit their needs.

“The infrastructure funded will be in addition to planned state and resource-company funded community infrastructure.”

Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the RCIF is a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, resource companies, and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

“The Queensland Government has committed $30 million to the fund with participating Queensland coal and mineral resources companies contributing $70 million,” Mr Stewart said.

“Together we are recognising the importance of resources sector communities in rebuilding Queensland’s economy from the impacts of COVID-19.

“The first round of the program included providing funding to build a new pool in Charters Towers, a hybrid library, museum and community services hub in Moura, and an early intervention and learning centre in Townsville.”

“The projects not only deliver projects that further improve liveability in resource communities, they also create more jobs and more opportunities for regional Queenslanders.”

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed the opening of round two funding.

“The QRC is the peak body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers and we are always looking for ways to support our resources communities,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“The QRC is proud our industry is contributing a total of $70 million to the RCIF and that local communities have the opportunity to seek funding for their important local projects.”

An expert Advisory Committee will continue with its role of considering RCIF applications in round two.

Committee Chair Tony Mooney said the committee expected the strong interest shown in round one was set to continue.

“Resources communities are getting ready to benefit from the 20 round-one projects announced in December 2021,” Mr Mooney said.

“They’ll have some great new local facilities for sport, recreation, social and mental health support, affordable housing, disability accommodation, education, healthcare and transport.

“Plus, these projects are also supporting local employment and are creating an estimated 186 jobs during construction.

“Local communities will be keen to bring more of these wonderful projects to their towns to benefit workers and their families.

“The committee looks forward to receiving round-two applications so we can get more new projects underway.”

The Advisory Committee will recommend projects that:

• Increase a Resource Community’s access to services to meet the community’s needs, maximise its potential, or enhance community wellbeing and
• Enhance community safety, reduce social inequality or benefit disadvantaged communities and
• Supplement planned community infrastructure investment by the State and resources sector by delivering new projects as soon as possible that provide benefit to Queensland’s resource communities.

The Fund’s Applicant Guidelines are available online.

ENDS

Media contact: Amy Hunter 0423 651 484