Million dollar day for Whitsunday: Fraser

November 23 2006

Million dollar day for Whitsunday: Fraser

The Whitsunday region received a $1 million boost – and a win for the environment – today when Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser announced an enhanced commitment from the State Government to fund local infrastructure.

Mr Fraser presented the Whitsunday Shire Council with a cheque for $1 million, which will go toward the Shutehaven Sewerage Scheme.

“This is significant, important funding for the Whitsunday region and it serves the dual purpose of eliminating potential health risks and protecting the environment of the area’s iconic marine environment,” Mr Fraser said.

“Cities often take reticulated sewerage for granted but for many smaller communities, on-site sewerage systems are the norm.

“The $1 million handed over today represents the major part of an additional $1.24 million the State Government is providing to fund this project.

“It takes the total commitment by the State to the project to over $2.5 million.”

The reticulated sewerage scheme is safer, cleaner and more environmentally friendly than on-site tanks that require emptying, are prone to leakage into the soil and can overflow during heavy rain.

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the funding was provided under the Beattie Government’s Smaller Communities Assistance Program (SCAP) which provides councils with funding of up to 80 per cent of the total project costs, making unaffordable projects affordable.

“The Whitsunday Shire Council was originally granted a $1.3 million subsidy for the set up of its sewerage treatment scheme and this additional $1.24 million will help implement additional measures to protect the environmental values of the area,” Ms Jarratt said.

“The sewerage scheme will replace all individual sewerage disposal units in the township with a reticulation network that will connect to the Jubilee Pocket Treatment Plant.

“This will eliminate potential health risks associated with on-site sewerage pits while also protecting the Great Barrier ReefMarinePark and the ConwayRangeNational Park from discharge during wet weather and future development in the area.

“The additional funding is a win for residents and a win for the environment.”

Media Contact: Chris Taylor, 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874