Upgrades completed at local halls thanks to cash injection

Local halls across the Lockyer Valley have benefited from Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s work in securing a range of Commonwealth and State-based funding for our local facilities.

The Junction View Hall Committee, just one of the many recipients, received funding of $25,000 under Council’s Major Hall Upgrade Grants, which received funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments’ Local Economic Recovery Program through Category D of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements after the 2019 Queensland Bushfires.

Committee treasurer Rhonda Lund said the funds were used to level the floor and replace failing stumps under the building.

“This funding played a significant role in restoring the structural integrity of the building and will guarantee its use for generations to come.

“As the last remaining public building serving the communities of Junction View and Mount Sylvia, it plays an essential part in times of adversity as a base for recovery activities, public meetings and government agencies.

“Since completing the improvements, we have witnessed renewed interest in the hall, which is wonderful to see.”

Stockyard Creek Community Hall Treasurer, Carol Stephens said the upgrades to their facility, made possible thanks to the Local Economic Recovery funding secured by Council, would ensure the community had an ideally located, well-equipped community shelter in the event of a disaster.

“The growth of interest in the hall has resulted in a greater number of volunteers, including some younger people, for Committee positions.

“We have also noticed a significant increase in the overall connectedness of the community and support for community events,” she said.

The Forest Hill School of Arts were able to tick off a range of maintenance goals and improvements for all users of the Hall, thanks to funding secured by Council.

“Repairs to roofing and guttering, major cleaning, painting, installation of climate control, and electrical safety upgrades were areas that were addressed thanks to this funding.

“We extend our thanks to Council and the contractors involved in the works for their assistance in preserving our Hall,” a committee member said.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said the funding secured by Council from the Commonwealth and State governments would provide benefits for many generations to come.

“Community Halls are such important and meaningful facilities for regional communities like ours, which is why Council has worked so hard to secure this funding, and the longevity of these structures, for many years to come,” she said.