Queensland's resource communities can apply for funding for infrastructure projects that will benefit the community and the regional workers and their families that live in those communities.
Applications open today for project funding under the Palaszczuk Government's $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.
Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles said the fund would deliver infrastructure in regional communities that would improve liability, support jobs and provide a boost to the economy as part of Queensland's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
"According to the QRC the resources sector employs around 84,000 workers and directly supports 15,200 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.
"Not-for-profit organisations and local governments in resource communities are now able to apply for between $100,000 and $8 million for infrastructure projects that will benefit their communities."
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the Fund is a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, resource companies, and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
"The government has partnered with resource companies to see investments in the communities that support them," Mr Stewart said.
"The Queensland Government has committed $30 million to the Fund with participating Queensland resources companies contributing the remaining $70 million.
"These communities are critical to rebuilding Queensland's economy. And these new infrastructure projects will create more jobs and more opportunities for regional Queenslanders.
"I would like to thank the Advisory Committee for their work."
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Palaszczuk Government backs the resources industry.
"Queensland resource companies have a track record of partnering closely with local communities in a range of social, training and employment initiatives," Ms Gilbert said.
"The Palaszczuk Government will continue this to deliver more economic benefits for regional resource communities, for the workers and their families who live there."
An expert Advisory Committee, comprising Government, resource community and resource industry representatives, has determined how community infrastructure projects will be chosen, ensuring the needs of the State's resources communities will be properly considered.
Chair of the expert Advisory Committee Tony Mooney said the partnership was a great opportunity to make a real difference by funding much needed community infrastructure in resource communities.
"The Advisory Committee is expecting strong interest and a broad range of applications in this first round," Mr Mooney said.
The Advisory Committee will recommend projects that:
- Increase a Resource Community's access to services to meet the community's needs, maximise its potential, or enhance community wellbeing and
- Enhance community safety, reduce social inequality or benefit disadvantaged communities and
- Supplement planned community infrastructure investment by the State and resources sector by delivering new projects as soon as possible that provide benefit to Queensland's resource communities.
Advisory Committee members:
Community representatives
- Tony Mooney AM, former Townsville Mayor, and current Chair of the Townsville Hospital and Health Board and Director of Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre.
- Fiona Jose, CEO of Cape York Partnership.
- Jane Williams, Chair of the Central West Hospital and Health Board and a Wellness Nurse at the Barcaldine Medical Centre.
Industry representatives
- Melissa Johnson, General Manager, Hay Point Coal Terminal BMA
- Leah Morgan, Specialist Corporate Affairs, South32.
- Anthony Pitt, Director Logistics and Procurement, Glencore Coal Assets Australia.
- Jess Roberson, General Manager People and Public Relations, Kestrel Coal Resources.
Government representatives
- Michael McKee, Deputy Director-General Corporate, Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.
- Natalie Wilde, Deputy Director-General Local Government, Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.
The first funding announcements for the $100 million fund are expected to be made in late 2021.
The Fund's Applicant Guidelines are available at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/rcif.
