Senator Barnaby Joyce today announced that the Australian Government has given approval for funding of up to $210,759 under the Regional Partnerships programme for the expansion of the Yeppoon Kindergarten.

Senator Joyce said the Australian Government funds will assist Yeppoon and District Kindergarten Association to purchase materials, play equipment and furniture, fencing, and associated fees and costs.

“This project will extend the existing kindergarten, doubling the floor space at Yeppoon Kindergarten, adding an additional classroom and allowing an extra 40 childcare places to be filled. There will be a new kitchen, toilets, storage area, covered outdoor deck and fencing.

“The expansion will help to relieve a shortage of childcare/kindergarten places in Yeppoon and provide a multi-purpose community facility outside hours.

Senator Joyce congratulated the local community for working together to access Regional Partnerships programme funding.

“I would particularly like to thank the Central Queensland Area Consultative Committee for helping to bring this project to fruition.” Senator Joyce said.

The Regional Partnerships programme continues the Australian Government’s approach of working with local communities to support their ideas. A total of $270.5 million is available under the Regional Partnerships programme from 2006–07 to 2009–10.

Senator Joyce said the Regional Partnerships programme would deliver benefits to communities well into the future, not only from programme funding, but from the higher levels of economic activity and improved social amenity which the programme was generating.

Since its inception in July 2003, the Regional Partnerships programme has, on average, attracted a further 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 Regional Partnerships programme.