Community halls benefit from Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has injected $1.5M into the region’s community halls thanks to funding secured from the Australian Government.

The funding has given the green light to a range of infrastructure upgrades across 11 different community halls throughout the region.

Council’s Mayor, Tanya Milligan said the funding, secured by Council from the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program (BSBR), would provide benefits for many years to come.

“Community Halls are such important facilities for regional communities like ours, which is why Council has worked hard to secure this funding.

“It is vital our rural community halls are equipped to better support their local communities, both during disasters and for social events,” she said.

Completed projects include:

• Blenheim Public Hall: Air conditioning, security mesh, security locks and emergency situation equipment.
• Forest Hill School of Arts: Kitchen appliance replacement, external painting, replacement guttering, electrical works, and replacement tables.
• Glenore Grove Public Hall: Restumping, gutter and downpipe installation, dry rot removal and door adjustment.
• Ingoldsby Recreation Reserve: Flooring, internal lining of walls and ceiling sealing.
• Junction View Hall: Upgraded toilet facilities with increased accessibility and installation of solar panels/batteries.
• Lockyer Waters Community Centre: Demolition of the old hall and installation of the new Lockyer Waters Community Centre.
• Ma Ma Creek Community Centre: Construction of a new shed.
• Mulgowie Public Hall: Air conditioning, stage and front area flooring, concrete picnic slabs, locks for office area and water tank installation.
• Postmans Ridge Pioneer’s Memorial Hall: Restumping, weatherboard replacement, external painting, sign painting, internal wall replacement and walkway widening.
• Ropehill Community Sports Centre: Solar/battery system, fridge and freezer, water tanks, toilet upgrades and additional undercover areas.
• Stockyard Creek Community Hall: Standalone disability access shower, laundry and toilet block, generator, meeting room renovation, hot water system replacement and erection of security fencing.

Mayor Milligan said Council officers had taken a hands-on approach to bringing the funding injection to fruition throughout the Lockyer Valley.

“With all the halls in parts of the region that can be isolated from main town centres, this project has provided a much-needed improvement for the local communities. This not only plays a vital role in building community connection, but also assists in recovery as our region has experienced several natural disasters over the past three years.

“The halls that were recipients of the funding have already reported an increase in hall hires, which is great news.

“This brings many longer-term benefits, including generating an increase in funds for local volunteer groups, a boost for local suppliers and providing the community a hub during disasters,” Mayor Milligan said.

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government.

For further information visit www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au or contact Council on 1300 005 872.

ENDS