NEW IBIS STORE ON YORKE ISLAND OFFICIALLY OPENS

Health improvements are expected on Yorke Island following the official opening of a new Islanders Board of Industry and Services (IBIS) store today.

Member for Cook Steve Bredhauer represented Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy Judy Spence on Yorke Island, about 140km north-east of Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, for the official opening.

"The new IBIS store means residents on Yorke Island can access fresh food supplies more readily, which should lead to improved health," Mr Bredhauer said.

"The store is part of a $12 million Beattie Government initiative to deliver better services and fresh foods through a major redevelopment of IBIS stores."

The program aims to improve the standard of retailing in the Torres Strait to bring it to a level enjoyed by other Queenslanders. It also aims to increase the quality of life for Torres Strait residents by providing and maintaining fresh produce and healthy nutritious foods which promote good health and well-being.

Mr Bredhauer said it was expected better nutrition would contribute to a reduction in the incidence of diabetes and similar lifestyle diseases.

"This store is proof of the Beattie Government's commitment to improving the quality of life for Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders," he said.

Mr Bredhauer said he was pleased local workers were employed wherever possible during the Yorke Island project.

"In fact, the whole IBIS Stores Redevelopment Program has so far created in more than 13,000 hours of local employment," he said.

Mr Bredhauer paid tribute to all those involved in the new store, including Yorke Island Council Chairman Don Mosby, Dr Joseph Elu Chairman of the Island Industries Board and Chief Executive Officer Richard Bowler.

IBIS, which stands for the Islanders Board of Industry and Service, is the trading name of the Island Industries Board, a State statutory body established under the Community Services (Torres Strait) Act 1984

Media inquiries: Louise Foley, Senior Media Advisor (07) 3235 4826 or 0407 966 829 ... Marie Low, Media Advisor (07) 3237 1944 or 0408 725 308.