PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government will invest more than A$52-million under the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF) to deliver more services, and improve regional Queenslanders’  lifestyles.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the state government was working with the resource sector to deliver for regional Queenslanders.

“Queensland communities should be the first to benefit when the resource sector they support succeeds. That’s why the government has partnered with the resources sector to deliver the A$100-million fund, with Round Two announced today.

“Round Two of the RCIF will deliver more than A$52-million for 20 new projects across 15 regional communities.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service will receive a new aeromedical base, co-located with a new LifeFlight base, in Mt Isa so they can continue to deliver their excellent services for our most remote communities and establish Mt Isa as a major aeromedical hub .

“Childcare and early learning services will receive a boost with a new facility in Cloncurry and a new services hub in Julia Creek.

“We’ll improve regional Queenslanders’ already great lifestyle with an upgrade to the Springsure Aquatic Centre, the Biloela Splash Park, and a Mt Isa aqua play facility.

“Congratulations to all the many recipients of this fund, we’re proud to be working with the resource sector to deliver it.”

Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the RCIF is a voluntary partnership between the Queensland government, resource companies, and the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

“The Queensland government has committed A$30-million to the fund with participating Queensland coal and mineral resources companies contributing A$70-million,” Stewart said.

“The projects not only deliver infrastructure that further improves liveability in resource communities, they also create more jobs and more opportunities for regional Queenslanders.

“The resources industry helps support good jobs in our regions so it’s great to see these resources communities benefiting from this initiative.”

QRC CEO Ian Macfarlane welcomed the announcement of Round Two funding projects.

“The QRC is the peak body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers and we are very proud that members of our industry are contributing a total of A$70-million to the RCIF for projects that will have significant benefits for our local resource communities,” Macfarlane said.

An expert Advisory Committee considered RCIF applications for both funding rounds.

Committee chairperson Tony Mooney said there had been strong interest in both of the RCIF rounds.

“Resources communities can now get ready to continue benefiting from the RCIF through this new round of projects. The committee looks forward to resources communities, including workers and their families, enjoying the many benefits of these projects.”