Eight Queensland councils to receive nearly one-third of $159M in federal funding awarded to the state.

Eight Queensland councils to receive nearly one-third of $159M in federal funding awarded to the state.

Queensland communities are set to benefit from a major funding boost through one of the most competitive funding initiatives in Australia, the Growing Regions Program, which is a significant achievement for regional growth and development.

Peak Services’ Grant Office successfully secured nearly $50 million for eight councils out of the $159 million allocated to Queensland.

Boulia Shire Council will benefit from over $10 million in funding to build a new community hub.

Boulia Mayor, Eric Britton, said the preparation for the funding took four years with community consultation, collaboration with Griffith University and external consultants to bring the project to maturity and submission.

“This funding announcement is a big win for Boulia’s future,” Mayor Britton said.

“We are excited to finally be able to construct the Community Hub to serve the needs of the people of Boulia Shire well into the future”.

After the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council administration building was damaged in the 2023 cyclone, council will use the $7.4M funding to rebuild and incorporate a community hub while simultaneously creating local jobs.

“[Council will] rebuild this crucial council administration facility, restoring access to government services and incorporate a community development hub into the build to provide a space for the community to gather, learn, and grow,” said Wujal Wujal Council CEO, Kiley Hanslow.

“The construction phase will create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and help the community recover and move forward”.

“We’re committed to ensuring the project creates jobs for the Wujal Wujal community. This is not only about getting the infrastructure back in place but also about building skills and creating long-term employment opportunities within the community”.

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council will receive $14.9M to build a cultural precinct where the district’s culture and heritage can be preserved in climate-controlled spaces with an indoor and outdoor gallery and exhibition spaces, a museum garden, amenities and a car park.

Blackall-Tambo Regional Council Mayor Cr Andrew Martin said it is important to preserve the history and culturally significant memorabilia of the region for generations to come.

“I am looking forward to the preservation of the history and culture of two of the oldest towns in the central west, which will also embrace those of our traditional occupants,” Mayor Martin said.

Mayor Martin expressed enthusiasm for preserving the history and culture of the central west's oldest towns, including those of the traditional occupants.

Peak Services Group CEO, Brett Fraser, congratulated the successful councils and commended the Grant Office team’s efforts in supporting these transformative projects.

“This is a great result for Queensland communities, and I extend my congratulations to all councils on their successful applications, which will positively impact community wellbeing, infrastructure, and economic growth,” Mr Fraser said.

“Securing a substantial portion of the competitive funding pool highlights the effectiveness of the partnerships between Queensland local governments and our Grant Office – this is something we’re hugely proud of”.

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FURTHER INFORMATION - Successfully funded projects under the Growing Regions Program Round 2:

$14,962,719 Blackall-Tambo Regional Council – Blackall Cultural Precinct

The project will deliver Stage 1 of the Blackall Cultural Precinct, providing a dedicated space to showcase local art and culturally significant memorabilia, including indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, a museum garden, amenities, and a car park.

$10,423,400 Boulia Shire Council – Boulia Shire Community Hub

This project will deliver a state-of-the-art community hub to house Council offices, a multimedia library and resource centre, and a Post Office, alongside flexible spaces for cultural displays and visiting services.

$7,489,800 Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Council – Council Administration and Community Development Hub

The project will construct a new, sustainable Council Administration and Community Development Hub to replace the flood-damaged facility lost during Tropical Cyclone Jasper. It will include offices, training facilities, and resources for professional development.

$5,990,000 Cloncurry Shire Council – Scarr Street Revitalisation Project (CBD Upgrade)

The Scarr Street Revitalisation Project will enhance accessibility, amenities, connectivity, and safety in the Cloncurry CBD through upgrades to footpaths, parking, stormwater systems, and artistic works.

$4,096,737 Burke Shire Council – Burketown Health and Wellbeing Precinct Stage 1 – Splash Park & Playground

The project will deliver a community splash park and play area with accessible amenities to promote social inclusion and connectedness.

$2,132,148 Barcoo Shire Council – Barcoo Regional Sports and Recreation Enhancements Project

The project will upgrade community venues in Jundah, Stonehenge, and Windorah with energy-efficient LED lighting and essential electrical upgrades to improve functionality and energy efficiency and increase participation and visitation.

$1,843,972 Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council – Digital Services Centre Project

This project will deliver a digital service centre offering remote learning, technical training, and employment opportunities to enhance workforce capability.

$1,388,710 Woorabinda Aboriginal Council – Woorabinda Water Park

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