Community Services Centre a step closer
Ballina’s Community Services Centre is a step closer to reality following a visit today by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Mark Vaile.
Mr Vaile and Member for Page, Ian Causley today announced that the Australian Government has given in-principle approval for funding of $880,000 under the Regional Partnerships program to be negotiated for the Ballina Community Services Centre at Ballina.
Mr Vaile said the money will assist Ballina Shire Council with the costs of constructing the community services centre.
“The new Ballina Community Centre has been in the planning stages for close to a decade and will provide a diverse range of community-based services for the region,” Mr Vaile said.
“This centre will be a one-stop shop for a wide range of services, including programs for the elderly and disabled, support and information for carers, as well as providing computer access for the community.”
Mr Causley congratulated the local community for working together to access Regional Partnerships program funding, particularly the Northern Rivers Area Consultative Committee for helping to bring this project to fruition.
“I would also like to acknowledge the financial support provided by Testamentary Gift and Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care,” he said.
The Regional Partnerships program continues the Australian Government’s approach of working with local communities to support their ideas, to generate economic activity and improved social amenity.
A total of $261.7 million is available under the Regional Partnerships program from 2007–08 to 2010–11.
Mr Vaile said that since its inception in July 2003, the Regional Partnerships program had, on average, attracted more than three dollars from other sources for every dollar invested by the Australian Government.
Communities should contact their local Area Consultative Committee if they wish to seek funding through the program.
Mr Vaile’s visit was not confined solely to Ballina. He also inspected peak-hour traffic congestion in Alstonville, where residents having been lobbying for a bypass of the town.
He also visited Broadwater Sugar Mill, where he announced a $1.65 million grant to aid the mill’s switch to cleaner, greener harvesting methods — a real sweetener in an election year!
