New pool sets up a summer of fun in Karumba

Karumba is set for more summer fun with a swimming pool to be built under the Queensland Government’s $495 million Royalties for the Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Queensland Government had committed $1 million from Round 3 of the Royalties for the Regions program to assist with constructing a new community swimming pool complex. 

“This is a great project that will see a 25 metre pool, a children’s wading pool, mini-water park and barbecue area built in the small Gulf town,” Mr Seeney said.

“It fulfils our election promise to deliver better infrastructure and planning and shows that we have a strong plan for regional Queensland, where Labor failed for so many years.

“Half the $2 million project costs will be funded by Royalties for the Regions, Carpentaria Shire Council will provide $468,000 and it’s hoped the remainder will be secured from other sources.

“With more than 100,000 visitors touring the Gulf each year, this recreational complex will add to the leisure activities offered in Karumba and hopefully attract more tourists to the town.”

Carpentaria Shire Council Mayor Fred Pascoe said the new pool would give residents and visitors to Karumba a place to swim year-round in safety.

“This part of the Gulf is croc habitat and despite the high humidity and temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius our community has only had limited access to safe swimming facilities at the school pool,” Mr Pascoe said.

“The new community pool is guaranteed to be a popular recreational spot and gives our community something to enjoy, the same as many other communities throughout Queensland.”

The Queensland Government will finalise other successful Royalties for the Regions Round 3 applications in coming weeks with more than 23 council projects expected to share in this round’s allocations.

To date more than 39 councils across Queensland have received more than $250 million funding through the program, delivering more than 235 kilometres of road upgrades, community infrastructure and flood mitigation projects. For more information visit http://www.qld.gov.au/royalties

[ENDS] 14 May 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744