Central Queensland communities will share in over $14.13 million for six projects thanks to round two funding from the $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said Springsure, Emerald, Biloela, Barcaldine and Woorabinda will all gain exciting new community facilities.
"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 over $14.13 million for six Central Queensland projects.
"This round two funding will enhance the project pipeline flowing into resources communities.
"Improving on the region's already great lifestyle, Central Queensland will gain new aquatic facilities in Springsure and Biloela, a capability centre and karting club improvements in Emerald, new golf club amenities at Barcaldine and a community hub and disaster recovery centre at Woorabinda."
Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Kerry Hayes said council will receive $5 million for a major upgrade of the Springsure Aquatic Centre.
"The RCIF will deliver a fantastic upgrade to the aquatic centre that will give the local community better facilities for water sports, exercise, recreation and a great new water play area for kids and families," Cr Hayes said.
"Both the existing 25-metre main pool and children's wading pool will be replaced with new facilities and a brand new heated 17-metre pool will be added.
"Kids and families will enjoy a new splash pad play area that will be a substantial improvement on the existing wading pool.
"Currently the centre closes for Winter but the new heated pool will be able to offer swimming and mobility classes in the cooler months, giving the community more opportunities for fitness and exercise."
Banana Shire Council Mayor Cr Nev Ferrier said council would gain over $2.7 million to deliver the Biloela Splash Park and Playground.
"Works will include provision of a zero-depth, interactive, shaded splash park, playground equipment, a new barbeque area, a new amenities building, and a pump/filtration plant, as well as landscaping, fencing, and security cameras," Cr Ferrier said.
"This will be a great new space for our community to meet, socialise and beat the heat as well as a safe location for families and kids to enjoy the outdoors."
Emerald will gain over $4.6 million for two projects.
Local not-for-profit social enterprise Central Highlands Community Services (CHCS) will receive over $3.7 million to renovate an existing building to create a collaborative workspace, the CoWork Capability Centre, in Emerald.
CHCS Chief Executive Officer Blake Repine said the new CoWork Capability Centre will give the Central Highlands a 24/7 digitally capable, collaborative workspace.
"Thanks to the RCIF grant, the region will have greatly improved access to social services, training, skills, knowledge and technology for both community members and local businesses," Mr Repine said.
"The centre will help ensure our community members have more choice in the services they need to improve their lives and achieve their aspirations."
Emerald Kart Club President Tarina Rix said the club would receive $991,300 to install sport field lighting around their karting circuit.
"We'll be able to offer after-dark club and community activities all-year round, including competitions and club meets – something that will be fantastic, particularly for Summer evenings," Ms Rix said.
"The club will also become a major multi-purpose night-time venue for the Central Highlands that will be great for community participation in sporting, social and recreational events."
Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council will build a new Woorabinda Community Hub and Disaster Recovery Centre thanks to over $1.6 million from RCIF.
The centre will greatly support the community's cultural, emotional, social and economic well-being.
It will be a space for community events, training and workshops as well as classes increasing skills in things such as cookery, nutrition and digital literacy. It will also provide shelter during natural disasters.
Features will include airconditioning, kitchen facilities and digital connectivity.
Barcaldine Golf Club president Robert O'Brien said the club will receive a $147,000 RCIF grant for new toilet and shower facilities.
"Having new amenities will greatly improve the club's ability to host events and to create an overnight camping area on club grounds that will attract more visitors to our town," Mr O'Brien said.
"This project will complete a three-stage total upgrade of the club's facilities."
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the RCIF is a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, resource companies, and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
"The Queensland Government has committed $30 million to the fund with participating Queensland coal and mineral resources companies contributing $70 million," Mr 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.
"The resources industry helps support good jobs in our regions so it's great to these resources communities benefiting from this initiative."
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 benefitting 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."
