New ECEC services on the way for Julia Creek and Cloncurry as part of RCIF round 2

The Queensland communities of Cloncurry and Julia Creek will gain new and refurbished early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, taking their share of the $22.29 million in funding allocated to North West QLD as part of the second round of the $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).

 

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure The Honourable Dr Steven Miles announced the funding on Friday.

 

“Queensland communities should be the first to benefit when the resource sector they support succeeds,” he said.

 

“That’s why the Government has partnered with the resources sector to deliver the $100 million fund. North West Queensland is the big winner in this round of funding, with over half the funding being granted to Mt Isa, Julia Creek, and Cloncurry.”

 

Cloncurry Shire Council Mayor Greg Campbell said the town’s need for additional childcare would be addressed thanks to a RCIF grant of over $4.3 million, which will be used to build a new early learning centre.

 

“Staffing will continue to be an ongoing challenge, the RCIF grant allows us to build a modern fit-for-purpose facility and we will continue to support and grow our workforce in preparation for the opening of an amazing new facility,” Councillor Campbell said.

 

“RCIF is a fund directly supported by mining companies and the state government. Keeping pace with community growth is critical if we want our mining and agriculture sectors to flourish.”

 

Julia Creek will also gain a major child services facility upgrade thanks to a RCIF grant of over $6.2 million for McKinlay Shire Council.

 

“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,” said McKinlay Shire Mayor Councilor Philip Curr.

 

“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.”

 

“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.”

 

Learn more about the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF) here.