Jan McLucas, Senator for Queensland, is this week officially opening five infrastructure projects, worth $398,000, across the Tablelands Regional Council area, on the Atherton Tablelands in Northern Queensland.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, said the Rudd Labor Government provided the $398,000 to the Tablelands Regional Council for the five projects from the $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is a key part of the Rudd Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan and is delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term.

“Importantly, these five projects have supported 30 local jobs during construction.”

The projects include much needed upgrades for facilities at the Herberton Information Centre, the Malanda Falls Swimming Pool, Millaa Millaa waterfall circuit, Mt Garnet Hall and Dimbulah Caravan Park.

“The Herberton Information Centre extension means that the centre can now accommodate a community archive of the largest private collection of mining documents held in Australia,” Senator McLucas said.

“Reconstruction of the pathway and retaining walls of the Malanda Falls Swimming Pool ensure that the facility is safe and secure for all users, while the works at the Millaa Millaa waterfall circuit included the installation of shade sheds, fencing, landscaping and re-roofing of structures.

“At the Mt Garnet Hall, a new ceiling with insulation and internal wall sheeting will improve acoustics and make the hall cooler for users.

“Two transportable buildings, each consisting of five individual cabins were constructed at Dimbulah Caravan Park, providing additional accommodation for the community and transient workers.”

Mr Albanese said in partnership with every council in the country the Rudd 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 Tablelands Regional Council set to receive at least $556,000.

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

Minister Albanese and Senator McLucas congratulated the Tablelands Regional Council, State Government and the local community for their support for these five upgraded facilities, helping to build a stronger region for the future.