McKinlay Shire Council have secured $6.2 million to construct a new child service facility in Julia Creek in the second round of the Queensland Government’s Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).
After years of considered planning and development, the project is considered ‘shovel-ready’ and it is likely that the procurement of services and construction planning will commence over the coming months.
“The grant will deliver a children’s services hub providing childcare as well as a consultation room for visiting allied health services that will greatly improve access to children’s health care,” McKinlay Shire Mayor Councillor Philip Curr said.
“The hub will include indoor and outdoor play areas, a sleeping area for babies, kitchen, store rooms, administration offices and amenities as well as the allied health services consultation room.
“This will be a great service for young local families providing care for newborns through to school age children thanks to the inclusion of outside-hours school care,” Councillor Curr added.
A total of $22.9 million was granted across North West Queensland. Steven Miles, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development said, “North West Queensland is the big winner in this round of funding being granted to Mount Isa, Julia Creek and Cloncurry.”
The RCIF grants awarded in this round will help deliver a co-located Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) facility at Mount Isa Airport featuring hangars and other facilities for both RFDS fixed wing flights and RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter services.
RFDS will gain over $6.9 million to help establish the new facility that will better meet the needs in North West Queensland communities for emergency and primary health care services.
“We are extremely grateful to the State Government for providing this funding and happy that the government is acknowledging the growth in north-west Queensland and the need to provide important community infrastructure to facilitate this growth,” Councillor Curr said.
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Contact: Mayor, Philip Curr - McKinlay Shire Council Philip.Curr@mckinlay.qld.gov.au
(07) 4746 7166