The Queensland Government is investing more than $2 million in funds for a fibre optic network, sewerage and waste products, a tourism trail and an operations base for Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland.
State Development Minister and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham, said these small but critical projects from Horn Island to Yarrabah would be delivered in partnership with Torres, Pormpuraaw, Lockhart River and Yarrabah councils, generating around seven jobs as well as new business opportunities.
“In remote and Indigenous communities, small projects can make a big difference and kick-starting much-needed infrastructure in this way has far-reaching social and economic flow-on effects,” Dr Lynham said.
“Our $375 million Building our Regions program is reinvesting mining royalties to boost infrastructure and generate jobs in regional communities.”
Building our Regions has already allocated $150 million to 93 critical infrastructure projects, generating almost 1300 jobs and attracting a further $275 million investment from councils and other organisations.
“In Far North Queensland, 12 projects are already completed or underway and 10 will start by mid-year from the $23.9 million allocated under previous rounds of Building our Regions,” Dr Lynham said.
“These include water supply and sewerage, enabling infrastructure for aged care, and community facilities.”
Treasurer and Member for Mulgrave, Curtis Pitt, said Yarrabah would welcome the contribution of almost $20,000 to sewerage system upgrades and a waste transfer station. The council is contributing almost $670,000 to the project.
“The funds will help clean and fence the waste transfer station site, erect signage, build designated areas for waste, and install three skips for generate waste,” Mr Pitt said.
The latest round of Building our Regions funds will also contribute to:
- A World War Two history trail and weigh bridge facility on Horn Island with $471,241 from the Government and $12,754 from Torres Shire Council
- A land and sea ranger operations base in Pormpuraaw with $450,000 from the Government
- A new fibre optic network in Lockhart River with $477,475 from the Government and $92,355 from Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council.
Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Mark Furner, said infrastructure funding was important for delivering jobs in regional Queensland.
“These projects are a catalyst not only for jobs, but also for the liveability of local communities and that benefits all residents,” Mr Furner said.
Successful projects under round three of the program will be announced by mid-2017.
