STATE GOVERNMENT TO HELP ESTABLISH CAIRNS FOOTBALL HOSTEL

The proposed AFL training hostel for indigenous students in Cairns has moved a step closer with the Bligh Government gazetting a 2.8 hectare site for sport and recreation purposes.

Previously, the Buchan Street site had been gazetted as parkland.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said the gazetting was a significant step in transforming the site into a specialist student hostel.

“All parties are working together to make this happen. It will be a great facility for the students as well as a wonderful asset for Cairns city,” Mr Wallace said.

”Not to mention the future AFL stars we discover from the Cape and Far North.”

Mr Wallace said the change in purpose of the reserve meant the council could now develop a Land Management Plan which would includes a formal proposal for the hostel as a secondary use for the site.

“After my department reviews this plan, council will then put the plan out to public consultation, giving the community the chance to have their say on the hostel proposal.”

Mr Wallace said a timeframe was still to be determined, but all stakeholders were working to finalise the proposal as soon as possible.

The Queensland Government is working with AFL Cape York and Cairns City Council transform the former rugby union field in Buchan Street into the specialist AFL training hostel.

The old rugby field, which is currently under the control of Cairns City Council as trustee, will be transformed into an AFL ground complete with a student accommodation block on the site of the old clubhouse.

“The hostel is designed to help high-school aged indigenous youth from remote communities train in their sport, but also learn valuable life skills,” Mr Wallace said.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said he was pleased to see the project progressing strongly towards becoming a reality.

"This project had my wholehearted support in my former role as Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships,” Mr Pitt said.

"It's a great concept, and it's going to be a tremendous facility I'm sure. Minister Craig Wallace also has been a staunch supporter of this proposed AFL training hostel, and I know he is committed to bringing the project to fruition."

AFL Cape York development manager Rick Hanlon said the hostel would provide the opportunity for up to 20 high school-aged youth to receive an education in local schools.

“Football is the vehicle to attract youth to this hostel, however, we also aim to give them a good education, as well as teach them valuable community skills such as cooking, and maintaining the grounds,” Mr Hanlon said.

“The site is handy to schools and local businesses, and we are keen to work with all stakeholders to provide work experience and apprenticeship opportunities for our youth.

“I’d like to thank Craig Wallace and the Department of Natural Resources for their support of our proposal. They have indicated they will offer us a 30-year lease on the site instead of the usual 20-year lease, which shows they are committed to the indigenous youth of North Queensland.”

Media contact: Caroline Kaurila, Craig Wallace’s office, on (07) 3896 3694 or 0414 213 954.