More farmers to be eligible for RIC loans
Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) loans will be available to more farm businesses from 1 July 2022 when new industries are introduced to the loan eligibility. The eligibility update follows industry and public consultation completed by the RIC in late 2021 that asked if the loan eligibility should be expanded to which most agreed.
RIC Acting Chief Executive Officer Paul Dowler said the agricultural industry’s success is supported by a diverse range of farm businesses and the RIC is pleased to be able to make more farm businesses eligible nationally from 1 July 2022.
Horse breeders, turf farmers, tea tree and lavender growers are some of the industries that will be eligible to apply for a farm business loan.
Ballandean Football Club and Swan Creek School of Arts Hall helping build stronger communities
Maranoa MP David Littleproud today announced that the Ballandean Football Club and Swan Creek School of Arts Hall will share almost $30,000 in Federal Government funding under Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Programme.
The Ballandean Football Club will replace clubhouse lighting and install a hot water system for change rooms with their $18,500 grant. The new lights will be more energy efficient thus reducing the club’s energy costs and keeping down membership fees.
The Swan Creek School of Arts Hall will receive an $11,360 facelift with painting of the hall’s exterior and a new steel kitchen bench. Mr Littleproud sees that the upgrade will make the hall more attractive for hire, in turn injecting more funds for future upgrades.
Councils on Road to Recovery in Maranoa
Local road maintenance in Maranoa will receive a boost thanks to funding under the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.
Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the Roads to Recovery funding will allow councils across the area to progress a number of high-priority projects, using local knowledge to deliver the best local roads.
“This forms part of our Government’s unwavering commitment to get Australians home sooner and safer, no matter where they live,” Mr Littleproud said.
Southern Downs Regional Council will receive $179,017 of the funding.
