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$7.9 million in funding from the Queensland Government and the resources sector will see Rockhampton gain major new sporting and mental health facilities. The projects were part of Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF) - established by a voluntary partnership between coal and mineral companies through the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government.

The Queensland Government has committed $30 million to the fund with participating Queensland resources companies contributing the remaining $70 million. This funding will be distributed across two rounds.

$4.5 million will be delivered to the Rockhampton Regional Council to redevelop the Mount Morgan Aquatic Centre while over $3.1 million will be delivered to the new Rockhampton Mental Wellbeing Safe Haven and $335,000 to the Brothers Australian Football Club for installation of upgraded field lighting at Kele Park.

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Steven Miles notes “despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought, our resources sector has been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic, helping support our economy. Here in Rockhampton, these projects will go a long way at improving community infrastructure and access to services.”

Local State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the lighting upgrade at Kele Park would give access to the fields at night and advised “getting new field lights installed will allow for the safe use of the whole field after hours and in overcast conditions, which is a big win for the club.”

President for Kangaroos Brothers Australian Football Club Cameron Wyatt said the club was extremely grateful for the funding support from RCIF and advised “this funding will enable us to provide a safe environment for training at night and provide the opportunity for night games to be held at Kele Park.

“It also means the club can introduce a youth girls team and have the juniors play home games on Friday nights.

“We’re excited for the next season of footy, it’s going to be great to host more games, continue to expand the club and to grow the game locally.”

The Rockhampton Mental Wellbeing Safe Haven will further strengthen the health and resilience of the community by providing a range of mental health services. It will create a safe shared-space where community members who are experiencing mental health challenges can gain the support they need.

selectability Chief Executive Debra Burden said the organisation was looking forward to increasing its offer of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services in Rockhampton.

“We opened our first mental health hub in Rockhampton earlier this year and are looking forward to expanding our commitment to the mental wellbeing of the local community.

“We’re focused on ensuring more people in Rockhampton, and across regional Queensland, can access the support they need and deserve.”

Round 1 will provide just over $47 million for 20 projects within 15 resources communities across the state.

Queensland Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the Fund is a voluntary partnership between the Queensland Government, resource companies, and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

“All projects funded under RCIF Round 1 aim to improve economic and social infrastructure in our resource communities, to enhance wellbeing and access to services and to generate jobs as part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan,” Minister Stewart said.

“Not only will the 20 projects support even better facilities for their regions, they will also create more employment, creating an estimated 186 jobs for Queenslanders during construction.”

Learn more about the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.

Image: Mount Morgan Aquatic Centre

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