ONE HOME FOR NAMBOUR DPI STAFF

Capital works funds of $350,000 will allow construction to begin on a new facility to bring all Department of Primary Industries employees in Nambour together in the one location.

Minister for Primary Industries Marc Rowell said the funds were part of a $1.3 million program to construct an office complex on the grounds of DPI's Maroochy Horticulture Research Station at Mayers Road, Nambour.

The new building will house 28 staff presently located in overcrowded facilities at DPI's Currie Street office in central Nambour.

The $350,000 has been allocated for initial construction work in the coming financial year, with $800,000 set aside in the 1999/00 budget for its completion.

Mr Rowell said the new building would allow DPI to better service the needs of its clients in the Nambour region.

"These new facilities will create a one-stop shop for people wishing to access DPI in Nambour," he said.

"DPI staff at Currie Street will no longer have to re-direct clients 3 kilometres down the road to the research station and vice-versa when this new facility is completed.

"This will mean greater convenience for the general public and DPI staff."

Mr Rowell said the new Nambour office facilities were part of a $15.4 million funding boost into the rural sector from DPI's capital works program in the 1998/99 budget.

"This budget is proof the Coalition has listened to the capital works needs of regional Queensland and delivered."

Further information: Lisa White, Media Advisor Ph (07) 3239 3009