THE WHITSUNDAYS can look forward to some exciting new facilities, following the announcement of almost $30 million in funding from the Federal Government.
Senator for Queensland Nita Green was in the region yesterday (Tuesday, January 14) to make the announcement, alongside Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins.
Whitsunday Regional Council successfully applied for funding under Round 2 of the government’s ‘Growing Regions Program’.
This led to the Albanese Government awarding the Whitsundays $29,876 million in grants for two new community infrastructure projects in the region.
Half the money – $14,876 million – will go towards the new Cannonvale Community Facility earmarked for Galbraith Park, Cannonvale, where the announcement took place on Tuesday.
The Community Facility will include a library, business and education spaces and disaster resilience infrastructure.
A further $15 million has been granted for a sports park at Brandy Creek.
The multi-sport precinct will cater for netball, football, tennis and cricket, during Stage 1, followed by athletics, touch football, BMX and an indoor sports arena.
There is also space for a future school in the precinct plans.
Senator for Queensland Nita Green said the two projects would be ‘transformational’ for the Whitsundays region.
“Thanks to the advocacy and hard work from the Whitsundays Regional Council, these projects will make a real difference to the local community,” she said.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that believes in boosting our regions and building the infrastructure people in regional Queensland need to thrive.
“These projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to listening to local voices and funding priorities that benefit Queensland’s regions.
“We fund projects on merit, and we reward projects that have real value to residents.
“These projects will be transformational for the Whitsundays community.”
Mayor Ry Collins said securing the funding under the ‘Growing Regions Program’ showed that, when local and federal governments worked together, fantastic results could be achieved for the region.
“The Whitsundays is experiencing strong population growth, and these investments will help ensure our community has the infrastructure it needs to thrive,” Mayor Collins said.
“The Sports Park and the Cannonvale Community Facility are not just projects – they are game-changers for our region.”
The federal government funding will pay for half the predicted costs of both facilities, with the rest set to come from the state government.
“Part of the government requirement is co-contribution,” Mr Collins said.
“We will now work with the state government to make sure these projects are delivered – we are looking to progress discussions with them in February.
“It’s about working together to get the best outcomes for the community.”
The ‘Growing Regions Program’ is an Albanese Government initiative that funds infrastructure – such as cultural and sporting hubs, town precincts and parks – that build community and improve liveability in remote, rural and regional Australia.
It provides funding of between $500,000 and $15 million per project, with $600 million being delivered nationwide under the program.
Projects have been chosen after a full merit-based selection process.
For more information on the Growing Regions Program, including lists of successful projects, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/growing-regions-program.
