Queensland resources communities to share in $120 million

• $120 million to fund 18 community projects in towns throughout northern, central and western Queensland and a separate bridge upgrade near Dysart
• Resources Community Infrastructure Fund gives back to resources communities
• For the first time, the RCIF funding round is wholly financed by the Miles Government

Five major Queensland coal producing regions will share in $118.2 million for community projects from the latest round of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.

In the fund’s largest allocation yet, 18 community projects will be funded by the Miles Government across the coal industry regions of Isaac, Central Highlands, Banana, Western Downs and Whitsunday – alongside a further $1.8 million for a bridge upgrade near Dysart.

The $118.2 million from the RCIF’s third round builds on $55 million from Round 2 and $47 million from the fund’s first round in 2021.

The fund’s biggest project will be an up to $40 million investment for the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct at Moranbah that will focus on innovation.

New housing will also be built for workers, medical students and retirees, there will be new and upgraded sports facilities, community and cultural centres and halls, and upgrades to an airport, botanic gardens and the Phillips Creek bridge.

Previous rounds of RCIF were voluntary partnerships between the Queensland Government and the resources industry, with the resources industry contributing $70 million and the State contributing $30 million.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“The Miles Government is delighted to give back to our resources industry communities through the biggest RCIF funding round yet.

“We want to acknowledge the importance of our resources communities and the work they do to benefit all Queenslanders.

“I’m proud that the Miles Government has stepped up to wholly finance Round 3 of this important fund.

“Queensland’s immense natural resources are owned by all Queenslanders and the wealth they generate should be used to benefit everyone in our state.

“Communities across Queensland, from Bowen and Collinsville to Emerald, Dysart and Dalby will be celebrating with new projects that come with our thanks for their hard work.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Resources Scott Stewart:

“The resources sector is worth $86.5 billion to the Queensland economy and employs more than 70,000 workers with nearly 60 per cent of those across regional Queensland.

“This RCIF funding round focuses on coal communities and the biggest investment is up to $40 million for a new precinct which will lead resources innovation for all of Queensland.

“Our communities who play a part in producing, processing and transporting coal continue to be the backbone of our economy.

“It’s only right that the Queensland Government has stepped up to wholly fund Round 3 of the RCIF.”

Quotes attributable to Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker:

"The nearly $40 million in RCIF funding will support the future of resource communities across Queensland by establishing a centre of excellence that will advance new technologies in the resources sector.

“Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct will be built in Moranbah at the heart of the Bowen Basin and include research, education and future partners precincts.

“We will be leading the way in bringing innovation to the Queensland resources sector, including low-carbon processes, new workforce skills and key initiatives such as minesite rehabilitation and deeper First Nation partnerships.”

Project funding allocations in five regional Local Government Areas are:

• Banana Shire Council - $11.05 million
• Central Highlands Regional Council - $28.2 million
• Isaac Regional Council - $43.1 million
• Western Downs Regional Council - $15.4 million
• Whitsunday Regional Council - $20.4 million.

The full list of RCIF Round 3 community project grants awarded are (in alphabetical order):

Airlie Beach Bowls Club Dome Roof Construction– $1 million to the bowls club for the installation of a dome roof over the existing bowls green.

Biloela Support Centre Facilities Upgrade – $5.89 million to St Vincent de Paul Society Qld for the refurbishment of their Biloela community support centre.

Bridgeman Park Club House – $1.5 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for construction of a new rugby league clubhouse in Capella.

Central Highlands Regional Entertainment Venues Upgrades – $5.5 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for the upgrade of Bauhinia Memorial Hall, Blackwater Civic Centre, Capella Cultural Centre and Emerald Town Hall.

Chinchilla MedStay Accommodation – $1.23 million to Rural Medical Education Australia for the construction of three residences for final-year medical students in Chinchilla.

Collinsville Community Precinct – $14.6 million to Whitsunday Regional Council for an upgrade including a new library and community centre, theatre refurbishments and heritage building relocations.

Dalby Cultural Centre Development – $14.19 million to Western Downs Regional Council for the construction of a centre including library, art gallery, performing arts centre, boutique cinema and community hub.

Denison Park Facilities Upgrade – $1.6 million to the Whitsunday Regional Council to upgrade amenities at the Denison Park Rugby League Grounds in Bowen.

Dysart Golf Course Clubhouse Refurbishment and Facilities Expansion – $907,954 to Dysart Golf Club for redevelopment of the clubhouse to create a family-friendly community venue.

Dysart Golf Course Irrigation System Replacement – $486,195 to Dysart Golf Club for the installation of a fully integrated watering system, including holding tanks and pump.

Emerald Airport RFDS Apron Upgrade – $6 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for a new high-strength taxiway and pavements for RFDS aircraft.

Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens Redevelopment – $7 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for works including construction of a visitor centre, a footbridge over the Nogoa River and upgrading walking trails.

Isaac Affordable Housing Bushlark Drive Moranbah – $2 million to Isaac Affordable Housing Fund for the construction of a block of three units for non-mining workers in Moranbah.

Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct – $39.72 million to Isaac Regional Council for a resources-focused centre at Moranbah, including education and future partners precincts.

McIndoe Park Sports Field Facilities Upgrade – $3.19 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for upgrades to a sporting complex, including a new rugby league field in Emerald.

Moura Retirement Village Expansion – $5.14 million to Moura Retirement Village for the construction of an additional six, two-bedroom units.

Springsure Aquatic Centre 17 Metre Program Pool – $5 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for Stage 2 works including a heated pool.

Yaringa Housing for Frontline and Professional Workers – $3.2 million to Bowen Community Council for the construction of four two-bedroom residential units in Bowen

ENDS

Media contact (Min Grace) – Daniel Webb – 0438 401 078