Communities across the Far North will receive a significant boost following the announcement of four successful projects* under the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the community-based projects were a positive investment in the region’s future.
“I am a big supporter of the arts and we are very fortunate that here in the Far North we have an abundance of artistic talent and genuine, yet innovative, ways of celebrating culture,” Mr Entsch said.
“It is fabulous to see this recognised through the three grants in the arts and culture category.
“The funds for Douglas Shire Council, in the environment category, also make sense given the Daintree region’s environmental importance and liveability is under the spotlight at the moment thanks to the movement on the power issue.
“Together, these projects will drive community involvement in arts and cultural experiences and open doors for economic growth which is extremely important to making sure that our region is resilient and prosperous into the future.”
Federal Regional Development, Territories and Local Government Minister John McVeigh said the Building Better Regions Fund continued to deliver major benefits for rural, regional and remote communities throughout Australia.
“The community investment stream of the Building Better Regions Fund is another part of our plan for regional Australia,” Mr McVeigh said.
“It supports community activities from expanded local events and strategic planning to improving leadership and capability.
“Under round two, the Federal Government is investing more than $4 million in over 100 community investment stream projects across Australia valued at more than $7.3 million.
“This is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs which will beef up local economies.”
The Federal Government invested an additional $200 million in this year’s Federal Budget to deliver another round of the Building Better Regions Fund.
Successful projects for round two of the infrastructure stream will be announced in the near future.
Successful Far North Queensland BBRF Projects:
- The Nintiringanyi Indigenous Corporation will receive $97,076 towards its ‘Miriki Indigenous Arts Tourism Initiative’ – a performing arts event involving Indigenous artists from Australia and the Pomo Indians of California, USA, presented at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair and at the Murama Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit at Sydney
- Arts Nexus will be fully funded for its $20,000 ‘Authentic Experiences for Cultural Visitors to our Region’ project which will promote authentic community-based experiences through planning to disperse tourists across the region;
- Cairns Regional Council will receive $39,000 towards its ‘Suburban Satellites Plus Program’ which will create free, unique, participatory, multi-arts events in suburban venues around Cairns during the Cairns Festival.
- Douglas Shire Council will receive $20,000 for its ‘Strategic Planning for Daintree Village and Daintree Coast communities’ project which will see a comprehensive audit of 35 plans and strategies by engaging with key stakeholders, relevant agencies, members of the Daintree Joint Management Group and Traditional Owners.
