Kirsten Livermore, Member for Capricornia, was in the sugar town of Sarina, Queensland today to officially launch the Shade Provision in Playgrounds Project – which has provided new shading to 29 parks and playgrounds across the Mackay Region.

Ms Livermore was in Sarina’s Apex Park to mark the occasion and immediately put the new playground to the test with the help of some local children.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese said that this project alone supported 10 jobs during construction and created 5 ongoing jobs, representing an economic boost for the Mackay region.

The Rudd Labor Government funded the more than $1 million project – managed by the Mackay Regional Council – 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 helping create thousands of jobs, providing direct cash boosts for local economies, and building long-term, on-the-ground infrastructure,” Mr Albanese said.

Mrs Livermore said the funding was used to provide shade sails and shade structures at 29 of the highly utilised parks, playgrounds and skate parks across the Mackay Regional Council area.

“Skin cancer harms thousands of Australians each year and North Queensland, in particular, has high yearly incidences of this terrible disease,” Mrs Livermore said.

“It is good to see skin cancer awareness campaigns being backed up by this form of infrastructure that helps to protect the community.”

Mr Albanese said the Mackay Regional Council was receiving over $4.4 million in funding for local infrastructure projects from the Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

Mr Albanese and Mrs Livermore congratulated Mackay Regional Council and the local community for getting behind important community project.