Townsville facilities score cash injection

Published Wednesday, 17 July, 2013 at 12:30 PM

Minister for Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience
The Honourable David Crisafulli

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

Local Government Minister and Member for Mundingburra David Crisafulli said $700,000 had been set aside to help Townsville City Council install a new digital scoreboard at Tony Ireland Stadium and improve parking at the Aitkenvale PCYC.

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

Council will receive $400,000 towards installing a large digital scoreboard and replay screen at Tony Ireland Stadium, the premier cricket and AFL oval in North Queensland, to further increase Townsville’s ability to host national and international matches.

A further $300,000 will help council build 65 additional car parks and improve access between the outdoor and indoor facilities at the Aitkenvale PCYC.

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: Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627