Cairns scores better facilities and cash injection

The Newman Government is focussing on local jobs and lifestyle by supporting key council projects in the Cairns region over the next 12 months.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said more than $1 million had been set aside to help Cairns Regional Council redevelop Endeavour Park at Manunda and improve the streetscape in the Cairns city centre.

“Council has put forward projects that are important to the region, and we’ve stretched every dollar to give maximum value for money,” he said.

Council will receive $858,333 towards increasing the playing areas and fix landfill and subsidence issues at Endeavour Park as part of the Manunda Sporting Precinct Master Plan.

A further $225,000 will go towards improving cultural and heritage signage in the CBD.

Mr Crisafulli said the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program was about building infrastructure in local communities while also creating jobs at an important time.

“This must be the Year of Delivery for all levels of government and we’re making projects happen to help councils deliver a better lifestyle for their communities,” he said.

“There was a time only a few years ago when it would take nearly a year for the State Government to call for applications and award funding for these types of projects.

“This year it has been completed in six weeks.

“For the first time, this money will be spent entirely this financial year so as well as improving what makes our communities special it will also be injecting money at the right time.”

[ENDS] 17 July 2013

Media Contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332/Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627