More than $11 million will be invested in social services and aged care in the Banana Shire as part of the State Government’s $118.2m for projects in coal-rich communities from the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.
The long-awaited expansion of the Moura retirement village has $5.14m for the construction of an additional six, two-bedroom units, while $5.89m was allocated to the St Vincent de Paul Society for the refurbishment of its Biloela community support centre.
“The aged care in Moura is magnificent and they’ve been trying to get money for years for this,” Banana Mayor Nev Ferrier said.
“Aged care is what we need heaps and heaps of and I think this is a great thing.
“The Moura community has put a lot of work in on this, so congratulations and well done there.”
Cr Ferrier said it was vital for regional communities to have adequate facilities to care for their aged.
“Theodore is a great example of that, so it Taroom, Moura and Biloela of course, as does the multi-purpose centre at Wowan which offers great service as well in keeping people in their homes which saves everyone having to go away,” he said.
“People are happier in their homes and they live longer, they’re with their mates, and it’s employment in our little local areas as well.”
Cr Ferrier said the upgrade to the Biloela support centre was welcomed.
“They just keep those in the community who are not as lucky as some going,” he said.
“We’re very happy to hear about these project, and I just hope it keeps coming for the region.”
Overall, 18 community projects will be funded by the State Government across the coal industry regions of Isaac, Central Highlands, Banana, Western Downs and Whitsunday – alongside a further $1.8 million for a bridge upgrade near Dysart.
The RCIF’s biggest project will be the $39.72m Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct at Moranbah that will focus on innovation and education.
“We welcome this investment to be pumped into the heart of the Bowen Basin as the Isaac region leads the way in bringing innovation to the Queensland resources sector,” Isaac Mayor Anne Baker said.
“We have advocated very strongly on ensuring resource communities have a future and returning royalties to region to build the Isaac Resources Centre of Excellence Precinct.
“This precinct will include low-carbon processes, new workforce skills and key initiatives such as mine site rehabilitation, deeper First Nation partnerships and a new home to our Country Universities Centre.”
New housing will also be built for workers, medical students and retirees, there will be new and upgraded sports facilities, community and cultural centres and halls, and upgrades to an airport, botanic gardens and the Phillips Creek bridge thanks to the RCIF.
“We want to acknowledge the importance of our resources communities and the work they do to benefit all Queenslanders,” Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said.
“I’m proud that the Miles Government has stepped up to wholly finance Round 3 of this important fund.
“Queensland’s immense natural resources are owned by all Queenslanders and the wealth they generate should be used to benefit everyone in our state.”
Previous rounds of RCIF were voluntary partnerships between the Queensland Government and the resources industry, with the resources industry contributing $70 million and the State contributing $30 million.
Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the resources sector was worth $86.5 billion to the Queensland economy and employed more than 70,000 workers with nearly 60 per cent of those across regional Queensland.
“This RCIF funding round focuses on coal communities and the biggest investment is up to $40 million for a new precinct which will lead resources innovation for all of Queensland,” Mr Stewart said.
The State Government’s allocation of $118.2 million under the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund towards projects in coal-producing regions has been welcomed by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).
The QRC urged the government to expand its investment in regional Queensland even further, particularly towards better roads and health services.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Judy Bertram said coal companies paid more than $15 billion in royalties to the State Government last financial year (2022-23).
She said based on current coal price forecasts, the QRC expects companies to pay almost $13 billion to the Queensland Government this financial year.
“This means that by June 30 this year, Queensland coal companies will have paid around $28 billion in royalty taxes to the State Government over the past two years,” Ms Bertram said.
“This is an enormous contribution by the coal industry to the State Government budget, and it’s only fair and reasonable that people living in regional areas benefit from the strong performance of the coal sector.”
RCIF project funding allocations in five regional local government areas were:
Banana Shire Council – $11.05 million
Central Highlands Regional Council – $28.2 million
Isaac Regional Council – $43.1 million
Western Downs Regional Council – $15.4 million
Whitsunday Regional Council – $20.4 million.
