Isaac's largest community space receives $8m injection

A multimillion-dollar redevelopment for one of Isaac’s community centres will change the landscape in how events, education and training workshops will be delivered.

Isaac Regional Council welcomed the $8 million funding announcement to support the Moranbah Community Centre upgrade thanks to round one of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund this week.

Mayor Anne Baker said the centre is one of the Isaac region’s vital hubs which hosts up to 700 social, business and larger community gatherings since 2018.

“This is a community-led project where we have consulted with our stakeholders and we are beyond excited to see this finally come into fruition,” Mayor Baker said.

“We’ll now be able to redevelop and refurbish the centre, creating even better spaces for the community.

“In a six-month period, the centre attracts nearly 7,500 through industry and community events.

“Locals can look forward to a centre with a new layout, modern décor and electrical and audio-visual systems that will attract better events in addition to delivering world class education and training.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Steven Miles said resources communities in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region would share in Round 1 of the Queensland Government’s $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).

“The resource sector is vital to our economy and employs around 84,000 workers, directly supporting more than 15,000 Queensland businesses,” Mr Miles said.

“Despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought, our resources sector has been able to continue operating throughout the pandemic, helping support our economy.”

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

“The government has partnered with resource companies to see investments in the communities that support them,” Mr Stewart said.

“These communities are critical to rebuilding Queensland’s economy. And these new community infrastructure projects will create more jobs and more opportunities for regional Queenslanders.

“Not only will the 20 projects support even better facilities for their regions, they will also create more employment, creating an estimated 186 jobs for Queenslanders during construction.”

Mayor Baker said she would like to acknowledge all those who have been part of the consultation process in providing feedback to the future use of the multi-purpose community asset.

“The centre is over 50 years old and these funds will assist in the significant refurbishment and upgrade,” Mayor Baker said.

“Council would like to say thank you to the Queensland Government, the Queensland Resources Council and the resource companies who have invested in this critical community asset.”

The funds will be directed to technological upgrades to ensure connectivity needs are met for industry and general community users into the future, as well as replacement of mechanical services, including the air-conditioning system.

The upgrade would see it better fulfil its role as Moranbah’s only contemporary multi-functional community space, supporting the needs of the community, mining industry and local businesses.

The Resources Community Infrastructure Fund was established by a voluntary partnership between coal and mineral companies through the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government.

The overall total of the Moranbah Community Centre redevelopment is in excess of $10 million with Isaac Regional Council co-funding the project.

ENDS