Funding approved for new Cooktown Neighbourhood Centre

Cooktown’s long-awaited neighbourhood centre will soon become a reality, thanks to Cook Shire Council and Queensland Government funding of $860,000.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the project had been in the pipeline for some time, but the good news was that it would definitely go ahead.

“The need for a neighbourhood centre was identified in 2001; however the development stalled following the demise of the community organisation that originally submitted the proposal,” Mr Pitt said.

“Numerous attempts to locate another organisation to take over the project were unsuccessful — until last year, when the Cook Shire Council agreed to take over the project.

“The Queensland Government is grateful that council stepped in to support this project, as locals have been anxiously awaiting this centre for quite some time.”

Member for Cook Jason O’Brien said the $860,000 funding would allow Cook Shire Council to start project management, final design and tendering processes associated with the new neighbourhood centre.

Mr O’Brien said it was too early to say what services would be offered at the centre. However, they were likely to encompass the needs of families, young people, seniors and other broader community needs.

“Neighbourhood centres are multi-purpose venues that benefit and enhance the lives of individuals and families,” Mr O’Brien said.

“They typically form the social hub for many communities, so I am delighted that Cooktown residents will shortly have their much-needed centre.

“This announcement is a great boost for the area, coming on top of the announcement earlier this week of the Queensland Government’s $3 million funding package for the Cooktown Events Centre.”

Media contact:    Minister’s office 3235 4280
                        Mr O’Brien’s office 4051 3849