Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced that St George and Thallon will benefit from $2.4m grants

Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced four local community projects in the Balonne Shire will be funded to strengthen the economies of local communities impacted by aspects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

St George and Thallon will benefit from more than $2.4 million in grants under the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program, Maranoa MP David Littleproud announced.

Mr Littleproud said four locally chosen community projects will be funded across the Balonne Shire to strengthen and diversify the economies of local communities impacted by aspects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

He said the funding recognised the pressure that many people in the Basin’s rural and regional communities face and seeks to create new economic activity and job opportunities.

“The projects were put forward by locals who know best how to tackle the challenges they face, and what their communities need,” he said.

“We've listened to communities and this is something we’re doing to help them recover.

“Each of the selected projects will help our communities by using local suppliers and resources as well as through local knowledge to drive the best outcomes for our region.”

He said the Balonne Shire Council will receive $1 million to upgrade the St George River foreshore, including an extension of the footpath to incorporate a boardwalk, river lookout and recreation area.

The Wellbeing Centre Project will receive $908,601 allowing Goondir Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation to continue refurbishing the former RSL.

“The St George Community Wellbeing Centre will provide Indigenous-focused programs, function room and conference room facilities, and other beneficial healthy lifestyle, arts, culture, education, mental health and social wellbeing initiatives,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Thallon Progress Association will receive $447,780 to engage community and visitor engagement co-ordinators.

“This project aims to increase employment opportunities in Thallon, diversifying and strengthening the local economy.

“It will also deliver enhancements to local infrastructure and visitor sites.”

$100,000 will go to the Women’s Leadership and Business Collaboration to create workshops for women and small businesses, designed to support individual leadership and community building.

“The project will be developed by Care Balonne, in conjunction with stakeholders from the business community within the Balonne Shire,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Each and every project will make a positive and lasting difference in their region.”

The MP said the projects would create new jobs, increase the capacity of communities to diversify, strengthen their local economies and help them manage current and future economic challenges and changes.

“Both St George and Thallon have done more than their fair share of heavy lifting for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan,” Mr Littleproud said.

Close to $39 million of funding has already been approved under Rounds one and two of the program for a huge array of activities throughout Murray-Darling Basin communities.