In the Budget papers released last night, the Gillard Government identified Logan and Rockhampton as among 10 disadvantaged locations across Australia eligible for intensive assistance:

In the usual unclear bureaucratic language of Government documents, here is how the Government’s plans are described in the Budget papers:

An intensive approach is needed in some communities to break the cycle of ongoing disadvantage. The Government will provide $38 million to deliver integrated local services and a Local Solutions Fund for innovative projects that provide new services and models to boost engagement and participation in ten disadvantaged areas.

Across 10 areas, $38 million is only $3.8 million per area, which is not a lot relative to the scale of the social problems in these areas. We probably should wait for further details, but there is a risk that this is simply a feel good initiative that won’t achieve any real change.