A new pool in Charters Towers and an early intervention and learning centre in Townsville will be delivered for local communities thanks to $8.8 million in funding from the Palaszczuk Government and the resources sector.
Round 1 of the Queensland Government's $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF) includes $7.8 million will go to the Charters Towers Regional Council to replace and expand the Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool in Charters Towers, and $1 million to the AEIOU Foundation for its new AEIOU Townsville Centre to support children with autism and their families.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Steven Miles said the RCIF was created to improve economic and social infrastructure in resources communities and to support jobs and boost the economy as part of Queensland's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
"The resource sector is vital to our economy and employs around 84,000 workers, directly supporting more than 15,000 Queensland businesses," Mr Miles said.
"Despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought, our resources sector has been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic, helping support our economy."
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the Fund is a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, resource companies, and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
"These communities are critical to rebuilding Queensland's economy. And these new community infrastructure projects will create more jobs and more opportunities for regional Queenslanders," Mr Stewart said.
"Not only will the 20 projects support even better facilities for their regions, they will also create more employment, creating an estimated 186 jobs for Queenslanders during construction.
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said both projects were about creating much needed community infrastructure to support families in North Queensland.
"In Townsville, the AEIOU Foundation in partnership, with Buchan Group and Hutchinson Builders, will build and operationally commission a new purpose-built early intervention and learning centre for children with autism," Mr Walker said.
"Replacing an existing centre in Kirwan, the new centre will be a state-of-the-art 40 placement centre with four early intervention classrooms, a motor skills therapy room, consulting and telehealth rooms, a community meeting and training facility, dedicated research rooms, external learning environments and playgrounds.
"Centres such as this one are ensuring children in regional Queensland receive the best care and opportunities to support their growth and development."
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the $7.8 million being invested in Charters Towers would be a significant boost to their economic recovery.
"The new Charters Towers Aquatic Centre will replace the existing 51-year-old Kennedy Regiment Memorial Pool and provide upgraded associated facilities for current and future swimmers," Mr Harper said.
"The project will deliver a contemporary accessible aquatic facility, new free form toddlers pool and wet play area, new pool water filtration system, refurbished amenities, enhanced spectator seating, a new lighting system and improved visitor car parking.
"With these new facilities it could be a Charters Towers local swimmer representing our country at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Charters Towers Regional Council Mayor Frank Beveridge said the announcement of the new Charters Towers Aquatic Centre will have a huge impact on the liveability of the community, whilst fixing long-term water leaks.
"This new Aquatic Centre will make a marked difference to our community, opening up new opportunities for sporting events, exercise and community gatherings" Mayor Beveridge said
"The upgrades to the new pool will also make it much more accessible and safe for all of our community, ensuring everyone can enjoy summer's best recreational activity, swimming.
"Thank you to the Queensland Government and the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund."
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed today's announcement of the first 20 projects to be delivered as part of RCIF Round 1.
"As the peak state body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers, the QRC is proud our industry has been able to contribute $70 million to the RCIF and work with the state government to support resources communities," Mr Macfarlane said.
"We are always looking to ensure jobs for Queenslanders in the regions, and many of these projects do just that and more for our communities."
Round 1 will provide just over $47 million for 20 projects within 15 resources communities across the state generating an estimated 186 jobs during construction.
The $100 million fund was established by a voluntary partnership between coal and mineral companies through the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government.
The Queensland Government has committed $30 million to the fund with participating Queensland resources companies contributing the remaining $70 million. This funding will be distributed across two rounds.
