Seven projects across Far North Queensland have been given the greenlight under Round 3 of the federal government’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the federal government’s $8.5 million investment across seven projects* will help grow local economies and build a strong future for our region.
He said the seven projects would also boost employment across the region, particularly in Cape York.
“These seven projects will be game-changers for their respective communities and are a great outcome for our region,” Mr Entsch said.
“This is about listening, acting and delivering for these communities.
“It is projects such as these that make our region an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
“I am excited to see the positive difference these projects will make to each community.”
Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott welcomed the funding and said Cooktown had become a regional service and supply hub for Southern Cape York.
“The BBR grant of $1.7m to help with the expansion of Cooktown Airport will encourage growth in jobs and business development opportunities with existing operators, Daintree Air and Hinterland Aviation,” Cr Scott said.
“The internal road realignment and upgrade will allow us to make additional airside land available and create new business and specialist jobs in aircraft maintenance, tourism and pilot training.
“Warren Entsch successfully brought the Prime Minister to Cooktown to emphasize the suitability and potential of aviation development in regional/remote Queensland.”
“The Federal Government has also reinforced its commitment to Cooktown 2020 by providing funding for the main stage facility – which will be the centerpiece for celebrations and activities over the 48 day event in June- August 2020.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Coalition Government is committed to ensuring Australia’s regions remain strong, resilient and prosperous in the long term.
“We are supporting our regions through investing in important local infrastructure as well as great community-building and planning initiatives,” Mr McCormack said.
“We have seen fantastic outcomes from the first two rounds, and this announcement continues our commitment to unlocking the economic potential of regional Australia and ensuring our regions continue to thrive.”
Building Better Regions Fund – Round Three – Succssful Projects:
Cairns Regional Council – Munro Martin Parklands Stage 2 Redevelopment – $500,000
The MMP Stage 2 Redevelopment project will deliver permanent Back of House facilities and a range of other enhancements to Cairns’ premier outdoor entertainment venue.
The enhancements will enable an increased number, variety and standard of events and performers to be attracted to the venue, stimulating economic activity and employment, supporting increased tourist visitation and length of stay and further enhancing a valuable cultural facility for the Cairns and Far North Queensland community.
Access Community Housing Company Ltd – Callaghan St – Community Housing – $990,079.00
Responding to the crisis in social housing in Cairns, this development adds 10 secured units to the portfolio of social housing in the region.
Focusing on women who are escaping domestic and family violence and the growing group of single homeless women, this complex will provide much needed safe, secure accommodation for these women and their children.
Cook Shire Council – Cooktown 2020 Festival – Festival Hub Main Stage – $214,902.00
This project will support the hire of the main stage for the Festival Hub during the Cooktown 2020 Festival which will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Captain Cook’s visit to the region.
Events held on the stage will include the opening and closing ceremonies, Reconciliation Rocks Concert and Indigenous showcase events.
Cook Shire Council – Cooktown Airport Expansion Stage 2 – $1,738,079.00
Stage 2 of the Cooktown Airport Masterplan, this project includes the realignment and extension of Airport Drive, and the installation of a secure parking area.
The project includes the detailed design of the airport runway which requires an upgrade to a code 3C for larger planes to land, ensuring the ongoing expansion of airport services and passenger services to both Cooktown and Cape York supporting tourism and economic growth in the region.
Centacare FNQ – Building Our Community Conference – $19,900.00
The project will deliver a conference aimed at developing and enhancing the profile of young leaders in the Tablelands regional area.
The conference will provide the opportunity for younger people to engage with local business, agencies and organisations to develop mentoring, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in the local area.
Cape York Institute – The Great Dreaming Track – $3,489,219.00
The project will deliver road upgrades, glamping equipment, remote power generation, water treatment, and sewerage systems to set up a 4WD glamping experience in the Coen area.
The Great Dreaming Track is a planned series of eco-adventures, authentic indigenous experiences, and eco-accommodation offerings along the Cape York Peninsula from the Daintree region in the south to the northernmost tip.
The projects vision is to provide remote indigenous communities with economic independence, employment opportunities and business ownership through tourism, offering enhanced access to traditional homelands.
Cape Animal Protection Shelter for Dogs – CAPS Weipa Animal Welfare Centre – $1,553,000.00
The project will see the construction of an animal care facility in Weipa.
The CAPS Weipa Animal Welfare Centre will service the growing unmet demand for animal care and management in remote western Cape York Peninsula.
The first full time animal care facility in Cape York will provide a resident veterinary surgeon, 24 hour animal care, shared animal management services across the 3 local government areas, pet training and grooming services.