$158,000 IN BUSINESS GRANTS TO BOOST CAIRNS AND FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Four grants, worth more than $158,000, have been awarded to help the recovery efforts after Cyclone Larry with a Cairns business among the recipients.

Also benefiting are Mission Beach, Innisfail, Atherton, Eacham and Herberton.

Acting State Development Minister and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said the State Government grants are part of more than $3 million that is expected to be distributed to businesses and regions over the coming year from the Cyclone Larry Special funding program.

Hinrichsens Cairns - $41,288

Family operation Hinrichsens Cairns will receive $41,288 to research and develop marketing strategies to identify food manufacturers and trading partners beyond North Queensland.

“The company, which began back in 1988, has marketed and sold Shaylee Strawberries and locally produced unique foods such as Jervoise Organic Meats,” Ms Boyle said.

“Like many other businesses in the wake of Cyclone Larry the company experienced a significant downturn in sales particularly to local retailers and restaurants.”

But Ms Boyle said the company recently established an operation in Townsville.

“Ultimately if its plans come to fruition the company could put on up to 20 more workers which is really a great outcome considering it’s position just a year ago,” she said.

Land and Water Management, Mission Beach, - $31, 687

Environmental consulting business Land and Water Management, based in Mission beach, will receive $31,687 to help introduce new remote sensing technology.

“This new technology can be used to record data for natural resources management, weed mapping and land use planning

“Land and Water Management lost about 80 per cent of its customer base after Larry but is now opening up markets outside the agricultural sector,” Ms Boyle said.

Land and Water Management CEO David Hine thanked the State Government for the grant.


“Ultimately this new technology will help us build a larger, sustainable business that reaches far beyond our region.

Johnstone River Catchment Management Group - $28,500

Ms Boyle said the not-for-profit Johnstone River Catchment Management group will receive $28,500 to commission a feasibility study into the development of the Innisfail Wetlands as a tourism site.

“Boosting tourism would broaden the region’s economic base and help protect it against possible future economic downturns in the agricultural sector.

“A successful tourism venture would create jobs, bring more people to the area and create opportunities for our current businesses to broaden their services – I look forward to seeing the initial report.”

Atherton, Eacham and Herberton Councils - $56,931

Atherton, Eacham and Herberton Councils will receive $56,931 to develop a Southern Tablelands Regional Economic Development Strategy.

“This will help develop a much stronger and more diversified economy capable of riding out any future economic or agricultural disaster.

“The Strategy will help businesses look at ways to value-add, to diversify, and identify new markets further a-field. It will look at ways to generate new jobs – it’s a big task but an important one that needs a coordinated approach.

“The councils have a history of working well together and all share a deep commitment to vibrant, sustainable economic development and I assure them of the State Government’s continued support,” Ms Boyle said.

Organisation contacts:

Land and Water Management – David Hine – 0429 886 146
Johnstone River Catchment Management Association – Bob Stewart, Project Manager 0740 438024
Hinrichsen’s Cairns – Peter Hinrichsen – 0418 410 199
Atherton Shire Council (on behalf of Atherton, Eacham and Herberton Councils) – Philip Stark, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, Atherton Shire Council 07 40910 711
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349

Ms Boyle’s media contact: Mark Symons 32247081
10 May, 2007