Artists and community groups in the Hinchinbrook electorate will have more access to artistic and cultural events, with the Hinchinbrook Shire, Cassowary Coast Region and Townsville City Councils receiving $120 000 collectively in funding through the Regional Arts Development Fund.

Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, said the RADF program gives local councils the flexibility to develop their own arts and cultural projects and invest in identified priorities and opportunities at a local level.

“These projects not only give local communities opportunities for artistic expression and appreciation, they can create jobs, boost local businesses and even enhance tourism opportunities if they are planned and implemented carefully” said Mr Cripps.

Councils in the Hinchinbrook electorate to receive funding include:

Cassowary Coast Regional Council – $40 000

Hinchinbrook Shire Council – $30 000

Townsville City Council – $50 000

Mr Cripps said RADF, now celebrating a 25 year partnership with local governments, supports numerous arts and cultural development and heritage projects annually across the Queensland.

“I encourage emerging talents and new organisations to consider applying for funding through their respective local councils,” he said.