Coalfield communities share $118.2m grants round

A $40 million investment for the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct at Moranbah is among the latest round of funding commitments from Queensland's Resources Community Infrastructure Fund. Eighteen community projects in five major coal-producing regions will share in $118.2 million under the third round, which builds on $55 million from Round 2 and $47 million from the fund’s first round in 2021. Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the new RCIF funding would support the future of resource communities across Queensland by establishing a centre of excellence that would advance new technologies in the resources sector. “Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct will be built in Moranbah at the heart of the Bowen Basin and include research, education and future partners precincts," she said. “We will be leading the way in bringing innovation to the Queensland resources sector, including low-carbon processes, new workforce skills and key initiatives such as minesite rehabilitation and deeper First Nation partnerships.” The latest round of RCIF funding covers community projects in the Isaac, Central Highlands, Banana, Western Downs and Whitsunday local government areas is alongside a further $1.8 million for a bridge upgrade near Dysart. The Queensland Resources Council welcomed the funding, but is urging 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). And, based on current coal price forecasts, the QRC expects companies to pay almost $13 billion to the Queensland Government this financial year. “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,” she said. 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 State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said the Miles Government was delighted to give back to resources industry communities through the biggest RCIF funding round yet. “We want to acknowledge the importance of our resources communities and the work they do to benefit all Queenslanders," she 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." The full list of RCIF Round 3 community project grants awarded includes: Airlie Beach Bowls Club Dome Roof Construction– $1 million to the bowls club for the installation of a dome roof over the existing bowls green. Biloela Support Centre Facilities Upgrade – $5.89 million to St Vincent de Paul Society Qld for the refurbishment of their Biloela community support centre. Bridgeman Park Club House – $1.5 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for construction of a new rugby league clubhouse in Capella. Central Highlands Regional Entertainment Venues Upgrades – $5.5 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for the upgrade of Bauhinia Memorial Hall, Blackwater Civic Centre, Capella Cultural Centre and Emerald Town Hall. Chinchilla MedStay Accommodation – $1.23 million to Rural Medical Education Australia for the construction of three residences for final-year medical students in Chinchilla. Collinsville Community Precinct – $14.6 million to Whitsunday Regional Council for an upgrade including a new library and community centre, theatre refurbishments and heritage building relocations. Dalby Cultural Centre Development – $14.19 million to Western Downs Regional Council for the construction of a centre including library, art gallery, performing arts centre, boutique cinema and community hub. Denison Park Facilities Upgrade – $1.6 million to the Whitsunday Regional Council to upgrade amenities at the Denison Park Rugby League Grounds in Bowen. Dysart Golf Course Clubhouse Refurbishment and Facilities Expansion – $907,954 to Dysart Golf Club for redevelopment of the clubhouse to create a family-friendly community venue. Dysart Golf Course Irrigation System Replacement – $486,195 to Dysart Golf Club for the installation of a fully integrated watering system, including holding tanks and pump. Emerald Airport RFDS Apron Upgrade – $6 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for a new high-strength taxiway and pavements for RFDS aircraft. Emerald Regional Botanic Gardens Redevelopment – $7 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for works including construction of a visitor centre, a footbridge over the Nogoa River and upgrading walking trails. Isaac Affordable Housing Bushlark Drive Moranbah – $2 million to Isaac Affordable Housing Fund for the construction of a block of three units for non-mining workers in Moranbah. Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct – $39.72 million to Isaac Regional Council for a resources-focused centre at Moranbah, including education and future partners precincts. McIndoe Park Sports Field Facilities Upgrade – $3.19 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for upgrades to a sporting complex, including a new rugby league field in Emerald. Moura Retirement Village Expansion – $5.14 million to Moura Retirement Village for the construction of an additional six, two-bedroom units. Springsure Aquatic Centre 17 Metre Program Pool – $5 million to Central Highlands Regional Council for Stage 2 works including a heated pool. Yaringa Housing for Frontline and Professional Workers – $3.2 million to Bowen Community Council for the construction of four two-bedroom residential units in Bowen

Coalfield communities share $118.2m grants round

Industry Queensland

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