All weather access on Shanty Creek Road

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rehabilitation and aged care facility at Emerald Creek near Mareeba now has year-round access with the opening of a new sealed road today.

Officially opening the upgraded Shanty Creek Road, Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer said residents at the Fred Leftwich Home for the Aged and the Rose Colless Haven would have 24-hour, year-round access.

Mr Bredhauer said the old unsealed road crossed swampy ground and was notorious for becoming boggy and impassable after rain.

"This prevented access for staff, the delivery of essential services and movement of trade," he said.

Mr Bredhauer said he had received submissions from Mareeba Shire Council and the Aboriginal and Islanders Alcohol Relief Service.

"Following these submissions I brought forward the funding for this project," he said.

"The Beattie Government recognises the importance of delivering better services for people no matter where they live in Queensland and this is an example of our commitment to regional and rural areas," Mr Bredhauer said.

Mr Bredhauer said the project was funded through Main Roads' Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).

Under TIDS, the State Government provides subsidies to local governments to assist with council-controlled road upgrading and maintenance.

"In the case of Shanty Creek Road, the State Government was able to provide a 100 percent subsidy of $275,000," Mr Bredhauer said.

Mareeba Shire Council undertook the 2.3km of paving and sealing and met the timetable to provide improved access before the next wet season.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Mick Borzi said Mareeba Shire Council welcomed the opportunity to work with Main Roads to improve to an all-weather standard, another of the Shire's roads.

"We thank the Minister and look forward to continuing good relations with the Minister and the Department," Cr Borzi said.

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