- Crisafulli Government delivers $2 million funding boost to build new Goondiwindi Neighbourhood Centre.
- Planning works have begun to acquire land, commission a design and build a business case that supports local community needs.
- The purpose-built facility will deliver additional health services, support people with disability and run early intervention programs for youth at risk of committing crime.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a $2 million election commitment to build a new Neighbourhood Centre in Goondiwindi.
The funding boost will help acquire land and launch early design works for the purpose-built facility, which will run health services, support people living with a disability and run early intervention programs for at-risk youth.
The new centre is one of over 129 neighbourhood centres across Queensland backing local, community-led responses.
In addition to this investment, Care Goondiwindi receives over $260,000 operational funding annually to deliver a neighbourhood centre service.
The new centre will also receive $10,000 to support locals experiencing immediate financial hardship.
The funds will ensure those in need have access to food vouchers, transport, essential items and other cost of living expenses when they are most in need.
Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm said the new centre will meet the need for more space to address an increase in demand for community services.
"Neighbourhood centres are an important part of every community, particularly in regional and remote parts of our state, delivering a range of activities to link people with support, create opportunities for social connection," Minister Camm said.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to supporting the services that support Queenslanders, which is why we are delivering on this important election commitment.
"The purpose-built centre will support the organisation to grow a wide range of services including disability and health services in the region as well as provide important early-intervention programs to help at-risk youth and tackle Labor's Youth Crime crisis."
Southern Downs MP James Lister said the funding boost will help support Care Goondiwindi, an organisation that's backed the local community for 33 years through their existing Callandoon Street facility.
"Care Goondiwindi is a vital and much-beloved part of the community, delivering health and disability services, not just for Goondiwindi, but also for our neighbours in nearby New South Wales communities," Mr Lister said.
"This funding announcement is all about the future and allowing Care Goondiwindi to grow their wonderful services to meet the growing community demand.
"The Crisafulli Government was elected to make Queensland safer, and Care Goondiwindi's work with at-risk kids and their families is important in keeping kids engaged and away from the temptations of youth crime."
