Mar 30, 2010

Funding For North Queensland Community Infrastructure

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

The Minister for Transport,

Regional Development and Local Government

Leader of the House

Member for Grayndler

March 30 2010

The Rudd Labor Government will provide nearly $2 million for 32 ready-to-go community infrastructure projects across North Queensland to support jobs in the local economy and deliver long-term benefits to communities.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government Anthony Albanese said that the new funding would help upgrade playgrounds, swimming pools, parks and recreation areas across North Queensland.

"From Townsville to Mount Isa, Tully to Cloncurry, and Burdekin to Richmond, we are supporting communities by building and upgrading vital local facilities.

"Importantly, these 32 projects are expected to support over 100 jobs during construction.

"We will deliver this funding to seven local governments in the region through the second round of our Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP).

"Already more than 3,300 community construction projects have either been completed or are underway through the first round of this $1 billion Program.

"In North Queensland, the Rudd Government’s investments include $16.2 million for the Flinders Mall revitalisation in Townsville, $18 million for the Einasleigh River bridge project, $2.1 million for the Tully Multipurpose Centre and $4 million for the Ingham Technology and Learning Centre.

"The funding announced today will keep more people working locally to support the economy while building local infrastructure for the future.

"These projects were put forward by local governments as community priorities.

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

"Across the country the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is funding local projects such as sporting fields, swimming pools, libraries, community halls, water and energy saving facilities, as well as improving elderly and disabled access.

"I expect to announce the approval of the remaining councils’ projects shortly," Mr Albanese concluded.

APPROVED PROJECTS

Townsville City Council – $452,000

$452,000 Upgrade of environmental infrastructure at Thuringowa Civic Centre

Tablelands Regional Council – $556,000

$30,000 Restoration of Platypus Park
$6,000 Upgrade to the facilities at Loader Park
$40,000 Cover replacement for Atherton pool
$30,000 Upgrade of facilities at Lions Park, Atherton
$20,000 Upgrade of Dimbulah swimming pool
$30,000 Upgrade to Mareeba swimming pool fence
$100,000 Construction of Ravenshoe recreation master plan and netball court project
$150,000 Streetscape enhancement of regional CBDs in Tablelands Regional Council
$100,000 Upgrade to Roscommon Park
$50,000 Upgrade and refurbishment of Old Kuranda Primary School community centre

Charters Towers Regional Council – $310,000

$57,388 Installation of sheltered recreation facilities at Centenary Park in Charters Towers
$252,612 Construction of cattle friendly steel panel enclosures at Dalrymple saleyards

Cassowary Coast Regional Council – $287,000