The Dalwallinu community, 250 km North-East of Perth in Western Australia, today celebrated the official opening of two community infrastructure projects which will give a boost to tourism in the area.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government Anthony Albanese said that the Rudd Labor Government provided $100,000 to the Shire of Dalwallinu for the two projects from the $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is a key part of our Economic Stimulus Plan and is delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term,” Mr Albanese said.

“During construction these projects employed ten local tradespeople, as well as three fitters contracted from Perth and a local air conditioning fitter, keeping people in work and supporting local businesses.”

The two projects involved upgrades to the Dalwallinu Caravan Park and the installation of air-conditioning at the Kalannie Town Hall.

The upgrades at Dalwallinu Caravan Park included the replacing the old, worn out toilets, showers, hot water system, exhaust fans, benches and roofing at the Park.

The Dalwallinu Caravan Park is attracting an increasing range of visitors including workers, members of caravan clubs, wildflower enthusiasts, ‘grey nomads’ and families looking for a short break away from city life. The upgrades will ensure the Park is able to better cater for these visitors,” Mr Albanese said.

“Kalannie Town Hall for the first time now has air conditioning, meaning the town can organise events all year round. The Hall caters to sporting and community groups and hosts activities for all ages including dance recitals, sport carnivals and fundraising events.”

Mr Albanese said in partnership with every council in the country the Rudd Labor Government is delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects like these, including new and refurbished public libraries, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds, and child care centres.

“The Program’s remaining $220 million will be made available to councils in coming months, with the Shire of Dalwallinu set to receive at least another $30,000.

“This additional funding will support even more local jobs and rebuild even more of the nation’s vital community infrastructure.

“I congratulate the Shire of Dalwallinu and the local community for helping deliver these important projects and helping to build a stronger region for the future.”