Palaszczuk Government to support worthy charities via new road fund
The Palaszczuk Government has committed to supporting Queensland charities and helping them meet safety standards for roads or transport-related works associated with their developments.
Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said a re-elected Palaszczuk Government would set up a $1 million state-wide fund to help not-for-profit organisations build community infrastructure.
“Many small charitable organisations find themselves unable to meet the cost of mitigating the impact of their development, for example making a road access safe. These works can be simply beyond their budgets and their ability to fundraise,” Mr Bailey said.
"The first organisation to be supported by this fund will be Farm Animal Rescue at Dayboro. The works for access to the organisation’s property have been estimated to cost $100,000 by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
“I want to thank Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd for her strong advocacy on this issue, she has been relentless in wanting a sensible and safe solution for the charity.”
Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said she would always stand up for her community.
"Many small charitable organisations find themselves unable to meet the cost of upgrading access to ensure safety," Ms Boyd said.
"This issue was too important to just stand by and watch, and that is why I advocated so strongly for Farm Animal Rescue.
"I'm delighted that not only will the Dayboro charity stay open, but there will be countless other charities that will now benefit from this new fund.”
Mr Bailey said the situation with Farm Animal Rescue had highlighted an important State-wide policy issue.
“Many of these organisations run on the smell of an oily rag and are supported entirely by volunteers.
“They can find it hard enough to fund their ongoing operations, let alone having to find funds for infrastructure requirements that have been triggered by the growth of their success,” Mr Bailey said.
“I’m pleased to say these works will be delivered under the new Charity Access Infrastructure Fund.
“The Palaszczuk Government is dedicated to a safe, integrated, reliable and efficient transport network that meets the needs of all Queenslanders now and into the future.”
ENDS