Partnership funding towards sustainable Central Highlands projects
Explore Councils by state
Posted on May 11, 2020
A $30,000 funding opportunity will progress Central Highlands projects building social resilience and environmental sustainability.
In partnership with the University of Southern Queensland’s Clean Growth Choices program, Central Highlands Regional Council will use the funds to identify local projects for future investment opportunities.
Manager Planning and Environment Kirstin Byrne said one of the projects, Next Gen Ag seeks to develop circular economy principles and prioritise investments.
‘With a focus on our region’s world class agriculture sector, this is about prioritising investments in infrastructure projects that build economic and social resilience far into the future,’ she said.
‘A hypothetical example here might be to prioritise an internet connection over a road connection.’
The second project, Dynamic Business and Sector Development, identifies pathways for communities to develop resilience and improve health and well-being.
‘It’s about making the most of our people by connecting them to each other and the services they need to live fulfilling and safe lives in our region,’ Ms Byrne said.
‘We can achieve this by combining social service delivery with social enterprise by developing a community hub for example.’
Council has been a part of the Clean Growth Choices program since 2018 and hosted workshops with government, local business and community stakeholders to identify priorities and develop business cases.
‘The program has been well supported and shows that we have many opportunities to explore whilst working towards reducing waste, re-using and recycling and fostering social and environmental sustainability to achieve our obligations under the climate transition goals.’
About Clean Growth Choices
Clean Growth Choices is a partnership between the University of Southern Queensland, James Cook University, the Queensland Government, CSIRO and the Eco-Efficiency Group and works towards developing economic resilience strategies, collaborative research projects including joint research appointments and applications for research grants. The program is underpinned by federal, state and local government policy in support of sustainable waste management, environmental and social sustainability and climate transition.
For more information on the program, including other local government partnerships, visit Clean Growth Choices