Cycleway setting the pace on Thursday Island

Thursday Island locals are set to be happier and healthier thanks more than $1 million in additional Palaszczuk Government cycleway funding.

Visiting the island community today with Member for Cook Cynthia Lui, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said he was thrilled to announce Stage 3 of the Thursday Island Cycleway would be funded this year as a part of the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program for 2018-19. 

“Stage 3 is worth $1.38 million and will add 750 metres to the network. Stage 1 and 2 are worth $1.26 million and $985,000 respectively,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has worked in partnership with the Torres Shire Council on this project which, with the support of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and My Pathway, provided training and employment opportunities to Community Development Programme (CDP) job-seekers during delivery.

“Through the works, these CDP job seekers have had the opportunity to become qualified concreters and 10 of them have now transitioned into full-time employment locally.”

Ms Lui said in addition to providing locals with jobs, the cycleway would improve fitness and health in the community.

“We know many people living in remote areas struggle to maintain healthy lifestyles, and cycling is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy,” she said.

“That’s why I am so proud to see the Palaszczuk Government helping deliver this vital piece of community infrastructure.

“We know that, on average, every dollar we invest in cycling infrastructure will return nearly five dollars in economic benefit to Queensland with improved health outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and lower transport costs.

“We are committed to getting more people cycling, more often, and it is fantastic to be able to achieve this goal while also creating more jobs for Queenslanders.”

The TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said the organisation was proud to be involved in the Thursday Island Cycleway project in partnership with the CDP provider My Pathway, TSC and the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

“The TSRA and its partners are pleased to report that all ten job seekers have successfully transitioned into paid employment in the building and construction industry,” he said.

“This is a 100 per cent transition rate achieved as a direct result of this project; a fantastic result for all involved, with the job seekers also now qualified concreters.

“A further six job seekers have recently joined the Thursday Island Cycleway project to replace those now in paid employment, gaining valuable work-ready skills and see the project through to its completion.”

Stage 1 of the cycleway is due to be completed by the end of this financial year, weather permitting, while stage 2 is due to be completed before the end of next financial year.

ENDS

Media contact, Dominic Geiger 0447355565