Balonne Shire Council has welcomed $2.4 million in Federal Government funding for local community projects announced this week.
Mayor Samantha O’Toole said the funding would generate real benefits for Balonne Shire communities.
“The projects chosen by the Federal Government are all very worthwhile initiatives and this money will generate terrific return on investment in terms of liveability, tourism enhancement, capacity-building and infrastructure,” the Mayor said.
“Council very much welcomes this funding announcement from federal MP for Maranoa David Littleproud.”
Mr Littleproud announced on Monday that $2.4 million in grants would go to projects in the Balonne Shire under Round 3 of the Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
“Four locally-chosen community projects will be funded … to strengthen and diversify the economies of local communities impacted by aspects of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan,” he said.
The projects are:
- $1 million for Balonne Shire to continue to upgrade and enhance the river foreshore in St George, including an extension of the footpath to incorporate a boardwalk, river lookout and recreation area;
- $908,601 towards Stage 2 of the St George Community Wellbeing Centre Project, allowing Goondir Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Health Services to continue refurbishing the former RSL;
- $447,780 for the Thallon Progress Association to employ community and visitor engagement coordinators, increasing employment opportunities in Thallon, diversifying and strengthening the local economy, and enhancing local infrastructure and visitor sites; and
- $100,000 towards establishing the Women’s Leadership and Business Collaboration, which will create workshops for women and small businesses designed to support individual leadership and community building, to be developed by Care Balonne.
“This funding aims to create new economic activity and job opportunities,” Mayor O’Toole said.
“I want to thank Minister Littleproud for continuing to be a strong advocate for Balonne and the impacts felt by the Basin Plan.”
