Published Thursday, 08 February, 2007 at 03:00 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
$7.8M FOR INDIGENOUS PROJECTS TO CELEBRATE 150 YEARS
Eight Indigenous councils throughout Queensland will receive almost $7.8 million in funding from the Queensland Government to develop projects to mark the 150th anniversary in 2009 of Queensland’s separation from New South Wales.
Premier Peter Beattie and Member for Cook Jason O’Brien announced today that funds would be provided to Cherbourg, Kowanyama, Torres, Aurukun, Hope Vale, Lockhart River, Poruma Island and Wujal Wujal Indigenous Councils.
These funds will be provided through the Legacy Infrastructure Fund, a $100 million capital works program to create legacies for Queensland’s 150th anniversary.
“In 2009, we celebrate 150 years of separation from New South Wales. This is a time for us to reflect on the past – not just the past 150 years of our modern history, but far beyond,” Mr Beattie said.
“Importantly, though, it is also a chance to consider our future. Grants from the Legacy Infrastructure Fund are about providing facilities and programs for future generations to use and enjoy.
“Across the State we have identified another 79 projects we believe will create a legacy for our 150th anniversary, including projects from eight Indigenous councils.”
Mr O’Brien said the Torres Shire Council had been allocated $2.2 million for the beautification of Victoria Parade, the gateway to Thursday Island.
“The project will include tourism, recreational and cultural developments,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Poruma Island Council will receive $500,000 towards construction of a new community building to house all the agencies required to deliver the day-to-day services of an island community, including a bank, post office, Government agents, and learning and recreation services.
“A similar centre will be constructed at Aurukun with funding of $400,000,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $150,000 for the restoration of the community church, a building of historical significance and community benefit.
“Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council will use funding of $1,049,190 for stage one construction of a multi-purpose community centre, incorporating a sports facility and gym.
“Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council will receive almost $1.9 million toward the design and construction of safe and secure facilities for tourists visiting the Kowanyama community.
“The project also includes an interactive, interpretive playground focusing on the culture and history of the Kowanyama people,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $1 million to develop a facility in Degarra for arts, crafts, hospitality training and retail to support the local community and tourism.”
Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $590,000 for the design and construction of a Corroboree Ring where educational programs can be provided. The facility will also include areas for women’s arts and crafts and women’s business. A range of amenities, including toilets, will support the development.
Mr Beattie said the projects were required to meet specific criteria.
“When the State Government asked Councils to submit their proposals last year, we were looking for practical, projects that would provide real and lasting benefits to the community for years to come,” Mr Beattie said.
“I feel very confident that each of these projects will more than achieve this objective.”
Each of the Councils was now required to submit a project plan confirming a 2008 completion date and demonstrate their ability to secure any additional funds required to undertake the project.
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Mr O’Brien’s office 4051 3849
7 February 2006
Premier Peter Beattie and Member for Cook Jason O’Brien announced today that funds would be provided to Cherbourg, Kowanyama, Torres, Aurukun, Hope Vale, Lockhart River, Poruma Island and Wujal Wujal Indigenous Councils.
These funds will be provided through the Legacy Infrastructure Fund, a $100 million capital works program to create legacies for Queensland’s 150th anniversary.
“In 2009, we celebrate 150 years of separation from New South Wales. This is a time for us to reflect on the past – not just the past 150 years of our modern history, but far beyond,” Mr Beattie said.
“Importantly, though, it is also a chance to consider our future. Grants from the Legacy Infrastructure Fund are about providing facilities and programs for future generations to use and enjoy.
“Across the State we have identified another 79 projects we believe will create a legacy for our 150th anniversary, including projects from eight Indigenous councils.”
Mr O’Brien said the Torres Shire Council had been allocated $2.2 million for the beautification of Victoria Parade, the gateway to Thursday Island.
“The project will include tourism, recreational and cultural developments,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Poruma Island Council will receive $500,000 towards construction of a new community building to house all the agencies required to deliver the day-to-day services of an island community, including a bank, post office, Government agents, and learning and recreation services.
“A similar centre will be constructed at Aurukun with funding of $400,000,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $150,000 for the restoration of the community church, a building of historical significance and community benefit.
“Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council will use funding of $1,049,190 for stage one construction of a multi-purpose community centre, incorporating a sports facility and gym.
“Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council will receive almost $1.9 million toward the design and construction of safe and secure facilities for tourists visiting the Kowanyama community.
“The project also includes an interactive, interpretive playground focusing on the culture and history of the Kowanyama people,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $1 million to develop a facility in Degarra for arts, crafts, hospitality training and retail to support the local community and tourism.”
Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $590,000 for the design and construction of a Corroboree Ring where educational programs can be provided. The facility will also include areas for women’s arts and crafts and women’s business. A range of amenities, including toilets, will support the development.
Mr Beattie said the projects were required to meet specific criteria.
“When the State Government asked Councils to submit their proposals last year, we were looking for practical, projects that would provide real and lasting benefits to the community for years to come,” Mr Beattie said.
“I feel very confident that each of these projects will more than achieve this objective.”
Each of the Councils was now required to submit a project plan confirming a 2008 completion date and demonstrate their ability to secure any additional funds required to undertake the project.
Media inquiries: Premier’s office 3224 4500
Mr O’Brien’s office 4051 3849
7 February 2006