Fifteen resources communities are set to share in just over $47 million thanks to joint Palaszczuk Government and resources sector funding.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles announced the first round of projects from the $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).
“20 projects will give 15 communities improved and additional local facilities for sport, recreation, social and mental health support, affordable housing, disability accommodation, education, healthcare and transport,” Mr Miles said.
“It’s a diverse range of projects to meet the diverse needs of resources communities across the state.”
The RCIF was created to improve economic and social infrastructure in resources communities in order to enhance wellbeing and access to services, support jobs and boost the economy as part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“The resource sector is vital to our economy and employs around 84,000 workers, directly supporting more than 15,000 Queensland businesses.
“Despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought, our resources sector has been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic, helping support our economy.”
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.
“These communities are critical to rebuilding Queensland’s economy. And these new community infrastructure projects will create more jobs and more opportunities for regional Queenslanders.
“Not only will the 20 projects support even better facilities for their regions, they will also create more employment, creating an estimated 186 jobs for Queenslanders during construction.
“Projects will be delivered by councils and not-for-profit organisations providing tangible benefits for the community, including the resources sector workers and their families who live there.
Chair of the expert Advisory Committee Tony Mooney said the committee really made sure the needs of resource communities were put first.
“Whether it’s a new public swimming pool, better places to play and watch sport or additional community support facilities, the committee wanted to properly consider the social and economic impact being made through this funding” Mr Mooney said.
“We are so glad that this has come to fruition and look forward to seeing these projects being delivered in their communities.”
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed today’s announcement of the first 20 projects to be delivered as part of RCIF Round 1.
“As the peak state body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers, the QRC is proud our industry has been able to contribute $70 million to the RCIF and work with the state government to support resources communities,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“We are always looking to ensure jobs for Queenslanders in the regions, and many of these projects do just that and more for our communities.”
BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Asset President Mauro Neves said BMA was proud to be a major contributor to the RCIF.
“In addition to creating jobs and economic opportunities for central Queensland, we want to make the Bowen Basin a better place to live by investing in our communities,” he said.
“Keeping our communities safe through the COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing priority for us. Through the RCIF, we can increase our support for the Bowen Basin and back the projects the locals want for their towns.”
All projects funded under RCIF Round 1 aim to improve economic and social infrastructure in our resource communities, to enhance wellbeing and access to services and to generate jobs.
RCIF was established by a voluntary partnership between coal and mineral companies, the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government.
The Queensland Government has committed $30 million to the Fund with participating Queensland resources companies contributing the remaining $70 million.
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