The Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has put the Agnes Water Neighbourhood Centre back on the agenda after it was left out of the State Budget.
Mr Bennett took the fight for the centre to Parliament last week during budget estimates. *
“I wanted on the record; the Agnes Water community deserves a neighbourhood centre. We will not be forgotten about,” he said.
“The State Budget outlines $15 million dollars to upgrade and construct neighbourhood centres but there is no mention of Agnes Water.
“For years we have been fighting for a dedicated centre in the region and I am determined to work with the Minister for Communities and Housing to see this project become a reality.
“I spoke on this issue in estimates to make it clear that we will keep the pressure on and not give up without a fight.”
Mr Bennett said Neighbourhood Centres are a universal and vital point of access for community members.
“Our centres are essential local infrastructure, providing hubs that are accessed by a wide cross-section of the community, including people who are marginalized of have significant needs,” he said.
“They are often referred to as ‘brain banks’ of local knowledge and a real focal point for the community.
“The Discovery Coast Community Support Service has been operating out of a tiny 3×3 meter office space for years.
“With the local population continuing to grow, cost of living at an all-time high, and the housing crisis getting worse, this lack of support for the centre is simply not good enough.
“I’m calling on Minister Enoch to help the Discovery Coast and fund a purpose-built Neighbourhood Centre as a matter of urgency.”
08/08/2022