Three Queensland towns are on the brink of exciting and flourishing futures with a $900,000 package from the Palaszczuk Government.
Local Government and Multicultural Affairs Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Balonne, Paroo and Bulloo shire councils would each receive $100,000 for the next three years to develop projects that would welcome more residents.
“We want to ensure that our remote and regional towns continue to be vibrant, vital and thriving communities,” he said.
“So, through our Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program, we’re supporting these three councils in their focus to be more inclusive, harmonious and united places to call home.”
Mr Hinchliffe made the announcement at the Local Government Managers Association Queensland annual conference in Townsville and he congratulated the councils on their successful submissions.
“This is about supporting interested councils and communities to attract new residents, particularly where there are skills shortages,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
Balonne Shire Council mayor Richard Marsh welcomed the funding, saying it would help the council explore Balonne’s potential and capacity to welcome new residents.
“We have a vision for prosperity and this funding will help us develop workshops and events to determine our community’s social and economic needs,” he said.
Bulloo Shire Council mayor John ‘Tractor’ Ferguson said the grant meant the council could explore the needs of his community and get a better idea of what skillsets were needed.
“We want to create the right environment for people with a variety of skills from a variety of backgrounds,” he said.
Paroo Shire Council mayor Lindsay Godfrey said the funding was a tremendous opportunity for the council to explore ways of welcoming new people to the region.
“We know that our ongoing prosperity depends on our ability to maintain, foster and support communities where diversity is valued,” he said.
