Keith Pitt announces IWC funding from Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund

Bundaberg and the Burnett region will receive a boost following news the IWC Stage 2 development project has won funding through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt announced today.

Mr Pitt said IWC’s project would receive $7.4 million through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, making the project a reality.

“Residents in the Bundaberg region will receive great benefits from this project, including more GPs, nurses, health and support workers, as well as access to additional allied health professionals and specialists,” he said.

“IWC have stated the Stage 2 project will create 407 full time equivalent positions and IWC will work with local business and industry to maintain and operate the facility.

“We’ve fought long and hard for this project and it’s so great to see it delivered.

“The Building Better Regions Fund received more than 500 applications and ours was one of about 100 which were approved.

“I congratulate IWC and look forward to working with them to deliver benefits to the Bundaberg community,” Mr Pitt said.

Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said she created the Building Better Regions Fund to help build strong communities for decades to come.

“I aim to help build the kinds of regional communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to, and projects like this one do exactly that,” Minister Nash said.

“After a competitive merit-based selection process, there are always those who were not successful and are naturally disappointed. We know this and we’ve got dedicated staff in the Department of Industry to give tailored feedback to each unsuccessful applicant to help improve those applications for next time. They can be contacted on bbrffeedback@industry.gov.au.”

Minister Nash said she expected to open another round of BBRF before the end of the year.

Minister Nash will announce the successful applicants for funding under the BBRF’s Community Investments Stream – for projects designed to support a range of local capability-building activities – in the coming months.

More information about the Building Better Regions Fund is available at: www.business.gov.au/bbrf