Would $20,000 make a difference to your community group?
Our electorate will receive $150,000 in Federal Government funding under the Stronger Communities Programme. Up to 20 projects can be funded, across Maranoa, ranging from $2500 to $20,000.
Projects must deliver social benefits to our community. We’re looking to fund small capital projects, which can range from upgrading the local community hall, installing lights at the football field, building playgrounds at parks or providing essential equipment for the local SES – just as examples.
No more than 50% of the total eligible project cost can be funded through this grant. The remaining share of the project cost can be sourced from local and state government funding; or cash or in-kind support.
Please submit your Expression of Interest in this funding to my office before August 21. The Expression of Interest form is on my website or phone 4662 2715 for more information.
Last year’s recipient
ROMA AERO CLUB Roma Aero Club president Seb Pollock and Maranoa MP David Littleproud ready for take-off. Roma Aero Club received $20,000 to improve their facilities for emergency transfers and to expand the building by constructing an entertainment area thanks to the previous round of Stronger Communities funding.
FAST FACTS
Expressions of Interest for Round 4 of the Stronger Communities Programme open from August 6 – August 21
Projects must deliver social benefits to our community
For more information phone my office on 4662 2715
Click hereto download an expression of interest form
DROUGHT RELIEF
Since 2013, this Government has invested more than $1.3 billion in delivering support for our farmers. The Federal Government is focused on supporting families. The State Government priortises freight and fodder.
At my recent drought round table, I said to the banks: Time is up. Banks have made millions-of-dollars from farmers and it’s time for banks to help farmers be sustainable going forward. I’m glad the banks have heard the message on this and acted.
I would urge and encourage farmers to seek help and find out what assistance they may be eligible for.
Producers and graziers across drought-affected areas of Queensland will receive a further $9 million to help manage pest animals and weeds as part of the Federal Government’s response to the ongoing drought, funding I announced in Roma earlier this month. Of the $9 million, $7 million will be allocated to the fight against wild dogs and $2 million for weed management.
LATEST UPDATE
An extra payment to Farm Household Allowance (FHA) recipients: $12,000 and single households will receive up to $7200 – to be provided over two lump sum payments.
This brings the total payment for a couple to around $37,000 and for a single to about $22,000.
Pests and weeds: About $25.8 million over four years to help manage pest animals and weeds in drought-affected areas. This is in addition to the $50 million announced as part of the Agriculture Competitiveness White Paper to support established pests and weeds nationally.
An additional $15 million has been committed to make sure wild dogs and pests don't decimate lambing in drought-affected areas, where lambing rates have increased from 30% to 80% after dog fences were installed.
Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS): RFCS counsellors provide free, confidential and mobile advice to farmers doing it tough – they help farmers complete FHA applications. The trained counsellors can travel to the farm to discuss a farmer’s financial options and set a plan for their future.
About $70 million invested by the Federal Coalition Government from April 2016 to June 2020, including a recent $25.4 million extension.
Health support:$550 million Stronger Rural Health Strategy will strengthen local health services and deliver about 3000 additional doctors, more than 3000 additional nurses and hundreds of additional allied health professionals in rural and regional Australia.
Those who live in rural and remote communities can now access counselling services through Medicare-funded telehealth appointments, making it easier to access support in the bush. As a result, online videoconferencing with consultants such as psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists can now be claimed through Medicare.
An $11.4 million package will boost mental health services.
Tax: Accelerated depreciation for new water infrastructure, fodder infrastructure and fencing to help farmers prepare for drought, assist with cash flow and encourage on-farm investment. Drought-affected taxpayers who need support with tax debts can ring the ATO on 131 142.
Current estimates indicate there are potentially 19,000 farmers across the country who are eligible for the FHA but haven’t yet applied. The main thing is you should not self-assess, please test your eligibility.
Community groups can now apply for Federal Government funding through the Volunteer Grants program.
Grants of between $1000 and $5000 are available.
Volunteers are the fabric of our bush communities. These grants can be put towards essential items which help make the work of our volunteers easier, safer and more enjoyable, such as equipment, training, transport and background screening.
APPLY NOW FOR COMMUNITY SPORT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS
Nanango Netball’s Sheena Lindholm, Julie Watt and Emily Humphrey help me cut the ribbon for the new Nanango netball courts which received $200,000 in Federal Government funding.
Is your town’s sporting facilities tired and in need of a boost?
The Community Sport Infrastructure grants program is a $29.7 million investment in 2018-19
Applications open August 2 and close September 28, with successful applicants notified from November 2018
Projects can range from the smallest of upgrades to $500,000 projects
Eligible applications must come from not for-profit organisations. The projects will be assessed against three selection criteria including community participation, community need and project design and delivery
Applications for the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program close September 14.
Innovators and community groups have been awarded Landcare grants of between $5000 and $100,000 to adapt to change, innovate and become more sustainable.
The funding forms part of more than $1.1 billion in the second phase of the National Landcare Program. Successful projects in Maranoa included:
Improved Productivity by Increasing Groundcover for Increased Pastures Bulloo & Paroo - $45,264
Protecting Grazing Land Productivity and Biodiversity Values Warrego Catchment - $22,460
Reducing Erosion Hazards to Protect On-Farm Soil Toowoomba region - $24,050
Rescuing the Scalded Plains of Cunnamulla Cunnamulla - $29,195
BURSARY RECIPIENT
I’m proud to award my $1000 bursary through the National Council of Women Qld to Marnie Leahy from Miles. She’ll be studying education through correspondence and showing us all what can be achieved while still living in the regions.
