The Cunnamulla community is set for a substantial economic boost with a $5.2 million targeted community project package.
Member for Maranoa and Minister Water Resources David Littleproud said the projects were selected because they would have long-term benefits for the community.
"These projects have been put forward by locals who know best what's needed for their towns," Minister Littleproud said.
"Cunnamulla took a real hit with Labor's water buybacks so this will help them diversify and build resilience.
"Nearly $4 million is for developing the Cunnamulla Artesian Hot Springs and the Warrego River Walk which will be great for locals and tourism.
"This will build geothermally heated hot baths where tourists and locals can relax.
"The Warrego River walk will include a raised boardwalk and viewing platforms to give visitors easy access without damaging the riverbank, plants and animal habitat.
"The Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation's Chronic Disease and Wellbeing Centre will also get $710,000 through the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
"Further we're putting up to $500,000 into a new Queensland Sheep Production Program.
"This program will be designed to include and engage Aboriginal people to make sure there are job opportunities for the local first peoples.
"We've listened to communities and this is something we're doing to try to help respond to them.
"You'll see each of them working to make a positive and sustained difference to Cunnamulla.
"These projects will benefit the regions by creating new economic and social opportunities.
"It's great for locals and it encourages tree-changers to consider making a life here, too."
Fast Facts
- Nearly $5.2m funding for projects in Cunnamulla include:
- Paroo Shire Council will conduct 2 projects worth $3.992m to:
- Construct a boardwalk and viewing platform to improve tourism experiences on the Warrego River Walk
- Develop Cunnamulla's artesian hot springs to boost tourism
- Additionally $500,000 has been made available for the Stimulating South Queensland Sheep Production Project led by Lifeline Darling Downs and involving the Paroo Shire Council.
- The Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation's Chronic Disease and Wellbeing Centre is part of the 'Basin Plan Commitments Package' announced on 7 May 2018.
- The Coalition Government is committing $20m to 42 projects under the Sustainable Rural Water Use for Infrastructure Program to the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
- Sectors covered by these projects include healthcare, tourism, construction, Indigenous cultural preservation, leadership and capacity building.
- The Murray Darling Association project will also deliver a Communities Leadership Program across 15 communities:
- Dirranbandi, St George and Cunnamulla in QLD
- Collarenebri, Warren and Wakool in NSW
- Rochester, Merbeina, Red Cliffs in VIC
- Colignan in NSW/VIC
- Berri, Cobdogla-Barmera, Loxton, Swan Reach and Lower Lakes in SA
