Kia Ora Pony Club forging ahead with new ablutions block

The growing community of Kia Ora will benefit from a new toilet and shower block at Kia Ora Pony Club, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing a $35,000 grant for the project.

“The Pony Club grounds are an important community asset in Kia Ora, and this funding will enable them to build a new ablutions block with six toilets and three showers, including accessible stalls so that it will be suitable for all users,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This means the Club will be able to expand the number and size of events currently held at the grounds, attracting more visitors and boosting the tourism and accommodation providers in the Gympie region, and it will also create about 10 jobs throughout the construction phase.”

The Kia Ora Pony Club will receive $35,000 towards the $70,000 project through Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund.

“This is another example of the Liberal and Nationals Government delivering the infrastructure our Wide Bay communities deserve so local people have the facilities for the future, while supporting local jobs and local businesses.

“I thank the committee for bringing the project forward and congratulate them on the success of their application.”

Kia Ora Pony Club secretary Odette Hargreaves thanked Mr O’Brien for his support, and said the new toilet block would help the club and Kia Ora community grow into the future.

“The Kia Ora area is growing rapidly, so this is a fantastic addition to the community facilities here,” Mrs Hargreaves said.

“The new block will make the club grounds more comfortable for events including gymkhanas, competitions and events with other clubs such as motorcycle and car events and will enable multi-day camps and functions so we can look forward to future growth.”

Under Round 5 of the BBRF, the Government has committed almost $300 million to support 295 projects across regional Australia, which will create an estimated 9,900 jobs during the project period.

This latest funding round takes total support through the BBRF to $1.38 billion across nearly 1,300 projects.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to work hard on behalf of Australians living in regional and remote communities,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why we’ve committed an additional $100 million under this latest round to take total funding to almost $300 million. This extra funding will support more projects, more jobs and create more economic opportunities in our regions to boost their recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Funding for these projects in Wide Bay is a testament to the dedication of Llew O’Brien.

“Funding under the Building Better Regions Fund supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities.

“Infrastructure upgrades funded in this latest round will ensure our regions remain great places to live and visit, while helping support important regional industries which create jobs.

“Our Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for regional and remote Australia, which is why we are providing local businesses, industries and families with opportunities to get ahead.”

For a full list of successful projects in Round 5, please visit: www.business.gov.au/bbrf