Five major Queensland coal producing regions will share in $118.2 million for community projects from the latest round of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).
In the fund’s largest allocation yet, 18 community projects will be funded by the Queensland 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 $118.2 million from the RCIF’s third round builds on $55 million from Round 2 and $47 million from the fund’s first round in 2021.
The fund’s biggest project will be an up to $40 million investment for the Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct at Moranbah that will focus on innovation.
QLD Resources Minister Scott Stewart said: “The resources sector is worth $86.5 billion to the Queensland economy and employs 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.”
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.
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.
Project funding allocations in five regional Local Government Areas are:
- 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.
The full list of RCIF Round 3 community project grants awarded are (in alphabetical order):
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