RAPAD acknowledges $2.2 Billion of government support
The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) has welcomed state and federal government funding for key projects and road works in the region.
The Federal Government has announced a $1.8 billion support package for local government, $500 million will be distributed through the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payments will be distributed.
“The Financial Assistance Grant payments are critical to local government in Western Queensland, so we are buoyed to see the program continue to be used as a mechanism to support our communities,” RAPAD Chair Tony Rayner said.
An estimated 22 new jobs will be created in the central west under projects funded by almost $4 million of the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions Fund.
RAPAD acknowledges the contribution to the region.
“Funding these projects makes a huge difference to the prosperity of our region and enables businesses to grow or have access to additional customers,” Councillor Rayner said.
A tourist lookout will be built at the Globe Precinct in Barcaldine for $1.5 million. This development will generate five jobs and give visitors access to the outback’s beauty and vastness.
The Blackall-Tambo Regional Council has secured funding for two projects for a combined total of $654,900. The third stage of the Blackall-Tambo internet project will progress with the construction of eight solar powered towers to expand reliable internet through microwave technology. A glass sided Tambo trucking heritage building will be built to display two classic trucks permanently loaned to the community by Johnson Bros Transport.
Council owned houses and community buildings in Bedourie and Birdsville will have solar power installed through the Diamantina Solar Power Project utilising almost $1m of Building our Regions Funding.
Ten jobs will be created in Longreach with the Western Livestock Exchange Redevelopment. Eight hundred and seventy-four thousand dollars will be spent to construct new livestock weighing infrastructure, selling ring, drafting area and central building as well as upgrades to pens and latching mechanisms and the installation of ramps.
