Agnes Water residents and local community leaders have today been joined by the Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Gail Sellers for the officially opening of their brand-new, multi-million dollar community centre.
Mr Albanese said the Federal Labor Government is proud to have provided nearly $1.5 million towards the cost of constructing the facility, which now stands as real and lasting legacy of the Economic Stimulus Plan put in place to protect jobs and businesses during the worst global recession in 75 years.
“This complex of three buildings will act as a hub for local residents and the thousands of visitors that flock to Agnes Water, Town of Seventeen Seventy and other communities along the beautiful Discovery Coast of Queensland,” said Mr Albanese.
“The new community centre will provide a community hall, multicultural resource centre and Rural Transaction Centre for the community, as well as a library, internet access, meeting spaces and function venues
Built by local firm Finecorp Industries, the new facility supported 35 jobs during its construction, with a further two ongoing part-time positions having been created since it opened its doors. The balance of the $3.5 million in funding required was provided by Gladstone Regional Council.
Cr Sellers said in times of need the new facility will also serve as a disaster recovery centre for the local community.
“I would like to express gratitude to the members of the Agnes Water Community Centre Steering Committee, who provided input into the project to ensure the facilities met community needs,” said Cr Sellers.
“The facility will provide much needed space to expand and implement new services to provide residents, community groups and visitors with access to function rooms, a transaction centre, tourist information and a library all in one convenient location.”