Key projects to help Queensland’s communities thrive will receive a boost, with the Palaszczuk Government’s 2019-20 State Budget providing a continued investment to empower communities and build their resilience.
Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said this year’s State Budget would build on the momentum of the government’s Thriving Communities’ agenda.
“This includes continuing to fund our partners to deliver much-needed services and support right across the state,” she said.
“We know financial inclusion,safe night precincts, food rescue and security, community resilience and recovery and social participation services make a real difference to Queensland individuals and families.
“That’s why we are again committing State Budget funding to ensure the continuation of these services where they are needed the most.”
Key funding commitments in the 2019-20 State Budget include:
- $3.3 million in 2019-20 to continue delivery of the Safe Night Precinct as part of the Queensland Government’s Tackling Alcohol-fuelled Violence initiative.
- $2.87 million this financial year for the construction of The Townsville Women’s Centre. This was in addition to $330,000 provided last financial year for this project.
- $1.5 million per annum recurrently from 2019-20 for community connect workers in neighbourhood centres in 12 high demand sites across the state following a successful trial.
- Additional funding of $1.5 million from 2019-20 to 2023-24 to expand the School Breakfast Program.
- Funding of $3.8 million over five years for the continuation of Logan Together and $3.9 million over five years for expansion of the place-based approaches to Gladstone and Rockhampton, matching Australian Government funding.
Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to creating thriving communities right across the state, where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can participate, are included and resilient, and enjoy high levels of social and economic wellbeing.
“As part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Our Future State: Advancing Queensland’s Priorities, we are working hard to create jobs in a strong economy by engaging and partnering with peak organisations and associations, including those in the community services sector,” she said.
“This is about investing in jobs today and for the future, while delivering infrastructure and services for our growing state such as those through our vital neighbourhood centre network.
“We’ll also continue to work hard to keep communities safe by contributing to programs and initiatives to support seniors, people with disability experiencing domestic and family violence and Queenslanders affected by a disaster.”
