Joint media release with the Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsay MP
Another $2 million in grants will be available in December to support infrastructure projects and new services that will drive economic and social benefits for Kimba and the surrounding region.
The Australian Government’s Community Benefit Program launched today will provide people and businesses in Kimba with new opportunities to improve their community and economy.
The program is part of the process to site a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility, with this latest funding round building on $4 million worth of grants and 51 projects already funded in the Kimba region.
Projects funded in previous rounds include the upgrade of the Kimba Medical Centre currently underway, rejuvenation of the Big Galah, upgrades to the Kimba RSL Club, resurfacing Kimba District sporting fields, and mental health initiatives.
Minister for Resources and Water, the Hon Keith Pitt MP said the projects, services and infrastructure funded under the program will drive jobs and economic activity in the Kimba community.
“New services and community infrastructure projects are coming to Kimba thanks to the Australian Government’s Community Benefit Program,” Mr Pitt said.
“Just like the 51 projects funded under previous rounds, I know this money will be used to fund vital infrastructure projects and community initiatives that deliver a big boost to the local community.
“The program has already funded healthcare, tourism and economic diversification in the area, and I look forward to seeing what project ideas the people and businesses of Kimba come up with next.
“The program recognises the significant amount of time, effort and disruption caused to communities which have been participating in the process to site the much-needed national facility.
“I would again like to put on the record my thanks to the people of Kimba for their ongoing support and patience as we engage with this process.”
Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey MP, said the new investment was a vote of thanks and confidence in the community Kimba.
“In putting itself forward to host this national radioactive waste facility, the people of Kimba said they are willing to consider new things and new industries to underwrite their future,” Mr Ramsey said.
“This program is in response to that community initiative – it recognises the disruption caused, and is designed for communities that are self-empowered, self-determined and solutions-focussed.
“Kimba is a great town, and I have no doubt that the people and businesses of Kimba are best placed to come up with projects through this program, which make it even better and even stronger.”
Kimba has been involved in more than five years of consultation about hosting Australia’s National Radioactive Waste Management Facility project.
