Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe has officially opened the Balonne Artesian Thermal Hot Springs (BATHS) in the St George Pool complex, funded with $750,000 from the Works for Queensland Program.
Mr Hinchliffe congratulated Balonne Shire Council Mayor Richard Marsh for the work to deliver the hot spa for residents and visitors.
“Not only will it be a huge hit with residents throughout the region but I also expect it will be a great tourist drawcard for the grey nomads who are looking for that unique regional experience,” he said.
“The Works for Queensland program is a practical way the Palaszczuk Government supports regional councils to deliver important infrastructure and boost employment.”
Across the three rounds of Works for Queensland, the Balonne Shire Council has been allocated $3.6 million, which council has created or supported 198 jobs, with more to come.
Mr Marsh welcomed the Works for Queensland funding.
“This artesian thermal pool will be a welcome addition to the St George Pool complex and is a facility that can be used year-round by residents and visitors travelling through our region,” he said.
“This facility will offer travellers another powerful reason to stay longer in town, which will give our economy a boost.
“Our community benefits when our two levels of government work well together to create new facilities such as the thermal pool.”
Since the $600 million Works for Queensland Program began in 2017, the 65 eligible councils outside of South East Queensland have reported that more than 17,900 jobs have been created or supported so far, delivering 1,856 projects.
Mr Hinchliffe also handed over a $3000 cheque to the St George Men’s Shed – money raised through the Country Cups Challenge and donated through the Wippell family.
