The Rudd Labor Government will provide $30,000 towards the upgrade of the Karumba Sports Complex as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan to support local jobs today while delivering lasting benefits for the community.

Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement of this new funding while he was in Karumba today for the opening of the airport upgrade.

“The funding would provide for a fitness room at the sports complex as well as the installation of air conditioning, ceiling fans, additional lighting and upgraded flooring,” he said.

“All up, this project is expected to support eight jobs during construction.

“It will also help encourage healthy and active lifestyles among Karumba residents.

“We will deliver this funding to the Carpentaria Shire Council from the second round of our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“In just over a year, this Program has delivered $1 billion to build and renew community facilities across Australia, making it the largest single investment in local infrastructure in the nation’s history.

“Already more than 3,300 community construction projects have either been completed or are underway through the first round.

“This project was put forward by the local council as local community priorities, instead of being determined from Canberra.

“By letting local communities decide, the Rudd Government is helping turn a community vision into a reality.

“Across the country, the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is funding local projects like sporting fields, swimming pools, libraries, community halls and water and energy saving facilities,” Mr Albanese concluded.

Further information is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/local/cip/index.aspx