Townsville's Ronald McDonald House will gain new playroom facilities thanks to a $250,000 grant from the second round of the $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the grant would provide a dedicated family-centred space for play and education that will support the families of seriously ill children receiving medical care in Townsville.
"Queensland communities should be the first to benefit when the resource sector they support succeeds," Mr Miles said.
"That's why the Palaszczuk Government has partnered with the resources sector to deliver the $100 million fund.
"I'm pleased to announce $52.71 million in round two funding for 20 projects across regional Queensland, including $250,000 for Townsville.
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the Palaszczuk Government it was another great project to come out of the RCIF.
"When the resources industry succeeds, we make sure it's Townsville residents who see the rewards," Mr Walker said.
"The Palaszczuk Government is partnering with the resources sector to ensure their success translates to real benefits for our community's most vulnerable, with the RCIF delivering funding for Ronald McDonald House to care for seriously ill children."
"Ronald McDonald House does an amazing job in Townsville and North Queensland so it's fantastic to see this support."
Member for Townsville and Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering for Townsville through the RCIF.
"The Palaszczuk Government has committed $30 million to the fund with participating Queensland coal and mineral resources companies contributing $70 million," Minister Stewart said.
"The projects not only deliver infrastructure that further improves liveability in resource communities, they also create more jobs and more opportunities for regional Queenslanders.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said Ronald McDonald House would benefit from the RCIF.
"The Ronald McDonald House here in Townsville do a great job of supporting the families of our most seriously sick kids, with this extra funding they'll be able to do even more.
"For the kids and their families this is an extraordinarily difficult time, it's great to see our community and resource sector come together to help make it that bit easier."
Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia CEO Tamara South said the grant would greatly add to the family-friendly features of the facility, located on the Townsville University Hospital campus.
"We want to do everything we can to provide the whole family with a comfortable place to stay and the peace-of-mind of knowing they're close to a child and sibling who's receiving medical care," Ms South said.
"We're very pleased to welcome families from all over Queensland, as well as from interstate and overseas, including Papua New Guinea.
"The RCIF grant means those families will now benefit from a safe, modern, interactive children's playroom that will greatly support their stay.
"Features will include a gaming and music room, tree house, creative spaces, play equipment and a toddler corner that will provide access to a range of educational and play activities."
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed the announcement of round two funding projects.
"The QRC is the peak body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers and we are very proud that members of our industry are contributing a total of $70 million to the RCIF for projects that will have significant benefits for our local resource communities," Mr Macfarlane said.
An expert Advisory Committee considered RCIF applications for both funding rounds.
Committee Chair Tony Mooney said there had been strong interest in both of the RCIF rounds.
"Resources communities can now get ready to continue benefiting from the RCIF through this new round of projects," Mr Mooney said.
"The committee looks forward to resources communities, including workers and their families, enjoying the many benefits of these projects."
