Council welcomes $2.5M funding for next stage of Rufous Street project

Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington has welcomed Federal Government funding to the tune of $2.5M for Council's Rufous Street project at Peregian Beach.

The Mayor says it will allow Council to embark on the final stage of the project.

"With the Federal Government's generous contribution, we can now build a new Community House on the site of the old Peregian Beach bowls club building and then expand the Digital Hub into the old Community House,” the Mayor said.

"The funding will enable us to renovate the old building and construct an additional 80sqm extension. This will mean that we can expand the number of people working at the hub from 60 to 100.

“The funding also supports the construction of a bespoke playground as well as additional parking.

"I’d like to thank the Federal Government for their Building Better Regions funding program, which aims to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities.

"Indeed, the Digital Hub project meets all three of those aims. It will provide increased space for our already successful Digital Hub, thus generating local jobs and providing assistance to more start-up and emerging businesses. The new Community House and public space will also foster greater community cohesion and resilience."

The entire Rufous Street Development was designed after significant consultation with the local community.

“It is fantastic that we can now deliver what the community idealised for this site. It’s a win-win for the community and the local economy,” the Mayor said.

"The Federal Government's $2,550,179 investment is a great endorsement of this project, which was initiated under the previous Noosa Council. In particular, I'd like to thank both Llew O’Brien, our local Federal Member for Wide Bay, and also Minister for Regional Development Dr John McVeigh for their support.

“I must say that Llew has been a tireless advocate for Noosa since he was elected.

“And, of course, special thanks must also go to Council’s Community Services Director, Fox Rogers, who has nurtured this project from the outset."

16 July 2018