Rockhampton will gain major new sporting and mental health facilities thanks to $7.9 million in funding from the Palaszczuk Government and the resources sector.
Over $3.1 million will go to selectability to deliver the new Rockhampton Mental Wellbeing Safe Haven, $335,000 to the Brothers Australian Football Club for installation of upgraded field lighting at Kele Park, and $4.5 million to the Rockhampton Regional Council to redevelop the Mount Morgan Aquatic Centre.
In Rockhampton today, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Steven Miles said the projects were part of Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).
“The resource sector is vital to our economy and employs around 84,000 workers, directly supporting more than 15,000 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.”
“Here in Rockhampton, these projects will go a long way at improving community infrastructure and access to services.”
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the lighting upgrade at Kele Park would give access to the fields at night.
“Getting new field lights installed will allow for the safe use of the whole field after hours and in overcast conditions, which is a big win for the club,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“Resource communities are critical to rebuilding Queensland’s economy and projects like this will create more jobs and more opportunities for regional Queenslanders.”
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said all three projects would provide impactful community infrastructure for the region.
“The Rockhampton Mental Wellbeing Safe Haven will further strengthen the health and resilience of the community by providing a range of mental health services,” Ms Lauga said.
“It will create a safe shared-space where community members who are experiencing mental health challenges can gain the support they need.”
President for Kangaroos Brothers Australian Football Club Cameron Wyatt said the club was extremely grateful for the funding support from RCIF.
“This funding will enable us to provide a safe environment for training at night and provide the opportunity for night games to be held at Kele Park,” Mr Wyatt said.
“It also means the club can introduce a youth girls team and have the juniors play home games on Friday nights.
“We’re excited for the next season of footy, it’s going to be great to host more games, continue to expand the club and to grow the game locally.”
selectability CEO Debra Burden said the organisation was looking forward to increasing its offer of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services in Rockhampton.
“We opened our first mental health hub in Rockhampton earlier this year and are looking forward to expanding our commitment to the mental wellbeing of the local community,” Ms Burden said.
“We’re focused on ensuring more people in Rockhampton, and across regional Queensland, can access the support they need and deserve.”
Round 1 will provide just over $47 million for 20 projects within 15 resources communities across the state.
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the Fund is a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, resource companies, and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
“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 as part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan,” Mr Stewart said.
“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.”
The $100 million fund was established by a voluntary partnership between coal and mineral companies through 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. This funding will be distributed across two rounds.
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