The Albanese Government continues to support investment in regional communities through the latest round of the $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP).

This round will see $67 million invested in 15 projects across regional, rural and remote Australia.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain will make the announcement today at the site of the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Research and Training Precinct, which is receiving $8 million for its purpose-built research and training facility.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Limited, the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast Council.

The new facility will work collaboratively with the Wildlife Hospital, reducing hospital admissions, preventing and treating disease, and protecting Australia’s native wildlife.

The project will also offer a walk-through experience showing the inner workings of the laboratories and research facilities to the community.

The latest round of the rPPP will deliver $21.2 million for 11 precinct development and planning projects across regional Australia under Stream One of the program, and $45.8 million to support four capital projects under Stream Two.

Further applications to the program are currently under assessment. For more information and a full list of funded projects visit infrastructure.gov.au/regional.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering for regional and remote Australia.

“The dedicated team at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital are at the frontline of protecting our critical Australian wildlife.

“In addition to treating, rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured and orphaned Australian animals, they are focused on research and education to preserve the future of our native wildlife.

“The $8 million investment in Currumbin Wildlife Hospital will create 56 direct and indirect jobs during construction and deliver enhanced visitor experiences and educational tourism opportunities.

“This project is a perfect example of how the Australian Government is committed to investing in regional and remote Australia to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Senator, Murray Watt:

“The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is a much-loved institution in Queensland, and it’s great to see the Albanese Government supporting its ongoing work.

“The new facility will be fantastic for ensuring our sick and injured native birds and animals get the best care, while also growing the Gold Coast’s footprint as a leader in wildlife research conservation.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Michael Pyne OAM, Senior Veterinarian at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital:

“Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world, admitting over 16,000 sick, injured and orphaned animals last year alone - and those numbers continue to climb. This expansion will create a dedicated research and education campus, allowing us to not only treat the wildlife in our care, but to address the root causes of their injuries and illnesses through preventative research.

“We are incredibly grateful to have the support of all three levels of government for the creation of this new campus. This united commitment from the Federal Government, Queensland State Government and City of Gold Coast recognises the vital role we play in wildlife care and conservation, and it’s heartening to see this collaboration to protect vulnerable native species.

“Every animal we save represents a step forward for its species, but the real game-changer is preventing harm before it happens. This expansion will help ensure that our work benefits wildlife not just in our care at the hospital, but out in their natural habitats for generations to come.”