COMMUNITIES in Cape York will benefit from new improved infrastructure, with a $210 million Commonwealth package set to enhance the region’s economy.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss joined Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch on the Cairns Esplanade today to present the Cape York Region Package to the community.
“This funding commitment is great news because it will boost the economy by upgrading key roads and infrastructure to better connect areas of economic opportunity with the local communities,” Mr Truss said.
“The Commonwealth is seeking advice from the local community on how the package can best be spent. We want the funding to improve accessibility to Cape York for the local community, and produce flow-on benefits to local industry, including mining.”
“Building better links throughout the region will also support the growth of the hospitality, transport, tourism and maintenance industries.
“Infrastructure development is a key part of improving social outcomes for Indigenous peoples in this area, giving them better access to health services, employment, education and training opportunities.
“We will now work cooperatively with the local community and Queensland Government to finalise the overall package.”
Minister Truss and Mr Entsch present the package to local media today.
Mr Entsch, who also chairs the Parliamentary committee for Northern Australia, welcomed the Government’s commitment of $210 million to the package, and said it was evidence of the Coalition’s commitment to far north Queensland.
“This provides a solid foundation for building on our Northern Australia policy,” Mr Entsch said.
“The Cape York Region package will look to upgrade key access roads in the region to ensure they are able to withstand severe weather conditions.
“This will keep those roads open for longer during the annual wet season and underpin stronger local economies and better services for locals.”
The project is expected to commence this year and be completed by 2020.
