Up to $330,000 in Australian Government funding (including GST) has been approved to assist with the construction of the McKinlay indoor sports and multi-purpose centre in Julia Creek, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, announced today. Senator Boswell was in Julia Creek with Cloncurry Mayor and Nationals Candidate for Kennedy, Ed Morrison, as part of a visit to North West Queensland communities including Hughenden, Richmond, and Homestead where Senator Boswell will officially launch a range of federally funded projects.   Senator Boswell said the funding for the McKinlay Indoor Sports Centre project would be made available through the Australian Government’s Regional Partnerships programme to help the McKinlay Shire Council establish the centre. “This centre will provide a shaded and wet-weather facility in the McKinlay Shire for sport and recreation purposes, and community events,” he said. “This means that local residents involved in traditionally outdoor games such as basketball, netball, volleyball and cricket will no longer have to play in the scorching heat or rain. “In addition, the community will have access to the centre for activities such as school plays and presentations, community movie nights and award ceremonies,” he said. Senator Boswell said the centre would increase the capacity of the town to hold sporting and other events during the heat of the day and in the evening. “This building will be a significant community asset and I acknowledge the commitment and financial support from the McKinlay Shire Council to help make the centre a reality,” he said. “The offer of a considerable financial contribution from BHP Billiton for the project confirms that it too recognises the many benefits that a multi-purpose facility could bring to the region,” he said. Senator Boswell congratulated the local community for working together to access Regional Partnerships programme funding, and recognised the role played by the North Queensland Area Consultative Committee in helping bring the project to fruition. “Through the Regional Partnerships programme, the Australian Government works with local communities to support their ideas and the funding for this project in Julia Creek is yet another example of this support.” A total of $271.2 million is available under Regional Partnerships from 2006–07 to 2009–10. The North Queensland Area Consultative Committee can be contacted on 4743 9999 for further details about the Regional Partnerships programme. Senator Boswell will be in Hughenden tomorrow, 8 June, to officially open the St Francis School Oval and the Shearing the Stragglers display at the information centre, as well as inspecting the Hann Highway north of Hughenden. He will then head to Homestead to open the refurbished 50 year old community hall.     Ends   Contact -   0428 450 942