A new local infrastructure project and a community event will receive a financial boost as part of a $207 million investment under Round 4 of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the community-based projects were a positive investment in the region’s future.

“This is a great outcome for Hinkler, with our two local councils having successful projects under this latest round of funding,” Mr Pitt said.

“These include a recycled water main upgrade at the Sports Precinct at Nikenbah and funding to expand the Taste Bundaberg Festival.

“I congratulate Fraser Coast Regional Council on its $175,000 grant which will see a 300mm water main installed, allowing for 42 hectares of sporting fields to be irrigated with recycled water.

“This type of project will help drought-proof council facilities now and into the future.

“Bundaberg Regional Council will receive a $50,000 grant to expand the Taste Bundaberg Festival with five key new elements: a Taste Bundaberg Festival central precinct, a Celebrate the Farmer opening night event, a Celebrity Chef learning experience and an industry Food Conference plus an Indigenous Fare evening event.

“These projects will help ensure our productive and vibrant region remains strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term and I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition,” Mr Pitt said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this funding injection to support 163 new infrastructure and community projects across drought-affected regional Australia came at a critical time for communities.

“Regional Australians have endured the devastating effects of a prolonged drought which has affected communities across the country for many years,” Mr McCormack said.

“In addition, regional Australia has withstood one of the most devastating bushfire seasons, floods and now a global pandemic – to say they’ve been hit hard in recent times, is an understatement.

“Their resilience will lead Australia’s recovery through grass-roots projects – creating jobs, boosting local economies and growing confidence in regional communities as a great place to live, work and invest.

“BBRF projects strengthen our local economies and drive much-needed local procurement, with thousands of jobs expected to be supported throughout regional Australia – delivering career pathways and enabling people to stay in the very communities they grew up in.”

For a full list of successful projects, please visit www.business.gov.au/bbrf