Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann has secured more than $100,000 in funding for to support vital community infrastructure projects across the Ipswich and Somerset Region.  

14 local community groups and sporting clubs will share in $101,200 worth of grants allocated to Blair in the latest round of the Australian Government’s flagship Stronger Communities Programme, with individual grants ranging from $3,204 to $10,000.

The Stronger Communities Programme supports local infrastructure projects, such as upgrades to community and cultural facilities, and purchases of vital equipment for regional emergency services, which are informed by local priorities.

Successful projects in Ipswich include $10,000 to concrete uneven brick paver paths at Ipswich Hospice, $10,000 to replace ageing shade sails at Ipswich Kindergarten on Milford Street and $10,000 for energy-efficient LED lighting at North Ipswich Bowls Club in Ipswich.

In the Greater Springfield area, a $10,000 grant has been awarded in this round to upgrade the Vedanta Centre Maa Sarada’s soup kitchen in Springfield Lakes, which provides vital food relief for struggling local residents.

On top of this, in Rosewood, the Rosewood & District Community Kindergarten will benefit from $10,000 in funding for new and upgraded electrical appliances and equipment.

The Somerset Region has not missed out either, with $10,000 provided for a Covered Entertainment Area at the Glamorgan Vale Community Hall, funding to replace defibrillators at PCYC Fernvale and Linville Progress Association will receive $6,700 for an E-Bike charging station for Brisbane Valley Rail Trail users.

As with the previous grant round, this round included a requirement for MPs to consult with communities through the project nomination process to enhance the transparency of the program and ensure projects drive community outcomes.

Mr Neumann said projects were nominated by an independent committee that heard from community groups and stakeholders about their local funding priorities, and he was delighted to visit a number of successful applicants to share the good news.

“I’m very proud to be delivering more than $100,000 in grants for 14 incredible local organisations – from charities to kindies to sporting clubs – through the latest round of the highly popular Stronger Communities Programme.

“Through this funding, the Albanese Labor Government is supporting much-needed local infrastructure and essential community equipment to ensure our communities in Blair are even better places to live.

“Having high-quality community infrastructure in outer suburban and regional areas like Ipswich and the Somerset Region is absolutely vital, and this funding will help build and upgrade key facilities that can be enjoyed for years to come.

“We’re making sure our suburbs and country towns remain great places to live, work and play by investing in critical community assets and in a fair and transparent way,” Mr Neumann said.

The full list of grant recipients is below.

• $10,000 for Ipswich Hospice Care for concreting of brick paver pathways
• $10,000 North Ipswich Bowls Club for Energy Efficient LED Lighting Over Bowling Greens
• $10,000 for Ipswich Kindergarten Association Incorporated to replace ageing shade sails
• $10,000 for Ipswich Switches Junior Speedway Club Inc for sports training and communications upgrades
• $9,500 for Raceview Congregational Fellowship to install roof top solar panels with battery storage at their South Ripley community centre
• $7,500 for Guides Queensland for upgrades to the Ipswich Girl Guides Hut
• $5,000 for the Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association for the replacement of defibrillators at PCYC Ipswich and Fernvale
• $3,796 for the Korean TKD Association Queensland Inc for IT equipment
• $3,300 for Ipswich Eagles A.F.C. Inc. for clubhouse disability facilities
• $3,204 for Ipswich & District Athletic Club Inc for a Defibrillator and First Aid
• $10,000 for the Vedanta Centre of Sydney for upgrades to the Vedanta soup kitchen in Springfield Lakes
• $10,000 for Rosewood & District Kindergarten & Preschool Association Inc Installation of the Highest Energy Efficient Systems
• $10,000 for the Glamorgan Vale Community Hall Association Incorporated for a Covered Entertainment Area
• $6,700 for the Linville Progress Association Inc for installation of an E-Bike charging station and lighting for Brisbane Valley Rail Trail users

For more information on the Stronger Communities Programme, visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/regional-and-community-programs/stronger-communities-programme