A new training room and shelter at Sunshine Butterflies will brighten lives of people with disabilities in Noosa, as part of a $207 million investment under the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the $42,539 grant would be used to construct a multipurpose training room and pick up/drop off shelter at the ’Our Backyard’ disability support facility in Cooroibah.
“This is a fantastic outcome for Sunshine Butterflies, the people who use its incredibly valuable service, and the people who will be employed in the local jobs created throughout the construction phase,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Leanne Walsh, the staff and volunteers at Sunshine Butterflies do an incredible job improving the lives of people with disabilities and their families, and this funding will help them continue promoting well-being, independence and inclusion for all people in the community.”
Mr O’Brien said communities in Wide Bay received $1.8 million through Round 4 of the Morrison Government’s Building Better Regions Fund for local projects including a hall upgrade for Cooroy Badminton, the Noosa Alive an art and entertainment festival, an activity centre at Gympie’s Hope Reins and a cultural centre at Murgon.
“The past year has been incredibly challenging but the Noosa community is continuing to show amazing spirit and strength as they support each other through the drought the bushfire and now the pandemic, and I am glad to see this latest round of BBRF will provide much-needed support at such a crucial time.
“The projects will drive economic growth and sustain local jobs at a time when we need them most, through new construction and creating new opportunities for long term resilience and prosperity.”
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.”
