Bunya Mountains Community Centre secures council support

The vision for a multimillion-dollar, multipurpose community hub in the South Burnett’s most ‘magical’ destination has taken a giant leap forward.

The vision for a new community hub in the Bunya Mountains has moved forward as council approved a lease for the proposed site.

The South Burnett Regional Council has thrown its support behind a Bunya Mountains Community Association proposal to build a multipurpose community centre in the Bunya Mountains, with councillors unanimously voting to approve a land lease and partnership for the project on Wednesday.

The Association has been working to secure a trustee lease on a block of land on Bunya Mountains Road, where the planned $5 million centre would be constructed.

The facility is designed to be a hub for workshops, social gatherings, and recreational events, serving both local residents and the thousands of visitors who visit the region each year.

Councillors backed the officer’s recommendation to enter a 10-year lease agreement with BMCAI for the land (lot 80 on FY2562).

Thousands of visitors stay in the Bunya Mountains each year.

In addition to securing the lease, the council also agreed to partner with BMCAI, so the group could apply for federal grants through the Commonwealth’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, which could provide up to $5 million.

The program requires partnerships with local government and community organisations.

The Australian Government is providing $400 million over three years for the program with $100 million available for 202-24 and $150 million for both 2024-25 and 2025-26.

BMCAI has already raised $63,200 towards the project and is seeking to apply for both streams of RPPP funding.

BMCAI President Noel Noack addressed the council meeting, expressing the community’s need for the centre.

“We need this centre because we want to develop the community that’s up there at the moment and we need that place to get together,” Mr Noack said.

An artist’s impression of the envisioned community centre in the Bunya Mountains. Image: SBRC.

He also explained the centre’s dual purpose, stating it would not only serve as a gathering space for community events but would also be a crucial location for emergency personnel, highlighting the current lack of public buildings in the Bunya Mountains.

The Bunya Mountains, with their beautiful rainforest and unique wildlife, have always been a special place for local residents and visitors alike.

An artist’s impression of the envisioned community centre in the Bunya Mountains. Image: SBRC.

Division 3 councillor Danita Potter said the project had been “a long time coming”.

“We’ve never had anything like this up there. I just think that that space is so magical,” Ms Potter said.

“We’ve got a special place here in the South Burnett, and that’s the Bunya Mountains, and I just think we should all be able to enjoy it, and this is a way that we can.”

Formed in 2016, BMCAI has led efforts to improve infrastructure and safety in the Bunya Mountains.

The association represents both local residents and visitors, collaborating with government, property owners, and community groups to tackle important issues in the area.

The RPPP program will run from 2023-24 to 2025-26, with hopes for funding to be granted by 2026.