New sport and recreation centre opens on Horn Island
Published Tuesday, 01 April, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Horn Island residents now have access to a brand new $3.7 million sport and recreation facility, following the opening today of the Ngurupai Sports Complex by Local Government Minister Warren Pitt.
Mr Pitt, who visited Horn Island today, also inspected progress on a new sewerage scheme for Wasaga Village.
“The Queensland Government is proud to have worked with the Torres Shire Council to build the new sports facility, providing more than $1.28 million for the project,” Mr Pitt said.
“We have also approved funding of $315,459 under the Rural Living Infrastructure Program to include a youth activities centre, car park and pathways at the facility.
“The complex provides this community with an indoor, multipurpose one-court facility, which includes a gymnasium, amenities and change rooms.
“The under-cover court can be used for playing basketball, netball and volleyball, helping the young people on Horn Island to develop a passion for physical activity.
“The centre will encourage Island residents to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle, helping to combat rising obesity rates.
“This sports complex will also allow the local community to host a range of sporting competitions and events on Horn Island.”
Mr Pitt said the Queensland Government was strongly committed to encouraging all Queenslanders to live healthy and active lifestyles.
“In the past two years, this government has contributed more than $1.5 million for projects to enhance participation opportunities in the Torres Strait,” he said.
“Projects have included the provision of shade structures at Ugar Island, an oval at Dauan Island, upgrading courts on Bamaga and Seisia islands, and the construction of a gymnasium, grandstand and other amenities at Iama Island.
“This government invests more in sport than any other state or territory, and we continue to work with local communities, clubs and sporting organisations to deliver improved sport and recreation facilities and services across the state.
“The government’s $8.4 million Eat Well Be Active campaign is also educating Queenslanders about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The Find Your 30 campaign launched last month is aimed at encouraging people to include 30 minutes of essential physical activity in their everyday lives.
“By providing Queenslanders with access to sporting facilities in their local communities we can make it easier for people to get involved in physical activity.
“The Ngurupai Sports Complex is an important piece of infrastructure for the local community and I have no doubt that the people of Horn Island will enjoy these facilities for years to come.”
Mr Pitt said Wasaga Village was also receiving a new sewerage scheme as part of the Torres Strait Major Infrastructure Program.
“The Major Infrastructure Program is a matched funding program of the Queensland and Australian governments to improve the health and wellbeing of those living in Torres Strait region,” he said.
“Torres Shire Council is managing the construction of the $8.3 million sewerage scheme on Horn Island and has also provided funding for the project.
“The new scheme is expected to be completed in the middles of this year and will replace the existing septic systems with fully reticulated sewerage systems, a sewage treatment plant and an effluent ocean outfall.
“The new scheme will be in full compliance with Queensland’s environmental licensing requirements.
“The existing septic systems have not operated satisfactorily, posing significant public health and environmental hazards. This project will be of great benefit to the environmental health of the community.”
Mr Pitt said the project would also benefit the Horn Island community by providing sub-contract and employment opportunities during the construction phase.
“Torres Shire Council employees will also be trained in the effective operations and maintenance of the sewerage scheme,” he said.
“Overall, these two new projects will contribute greatly to the quality of life on Horn Island.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Mr Pitt, who visited Horn Island today, also inspected progress on a new sewerage scheme for Wasaga Village.
“The Queensland Government is proud to have worked with the Torres Shire Council to build the new sports facility, providing more than $1.28 million for the project,” Mr Pitt said.
“We have also approved funding of $315,459 under the Rural Living Infrastructure Program to include a youth activities centre, car park and pathways at the facility.
“The complex provides this community with an indoor, multipurpose one-court facility, which includes a gymnasium, amenities and change rooms.
“The under-cover court can be used for playing basketball, netball and volleyball, helping the young people on Horn Island to develop a passion for physical activity.
“The centre will encourage Island residents to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle, helping to combat rising obesity rates.
“This sports complex will also allow the local community to host a range of sporting competitions and events on Horn Island.”
Mr Pitt said the Queensland Government was strongly committed to encouraging all Queenslanders to live healthy and active lifestyles.
“In the past two years, this government has contributed more than $1.5 million for projects to enhance participation opportunities in the Torres Strait,” he said.
“Projects have included the provision of shade structures at Ugar Island, an oval at Dauan Island, upgrading courts on Bamaga and Seisia islands, and the construction of a gymnasium, grandstand and other amenities at Iama Island.
“This government invests more in sport than any other state or territory, and we continue to work with local communities, clubs and sporting organisations to deliver improved sport and recreation facilities and services across the state.
“The government’s $8.4 million Eat Well Be Active campaign is also educating Queenslanders about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The Find Your 30 campaign launched last month is aimed at encouraging people to include 30 minutes of essential physical activity in their everyday lives.
“By providing Queenslanders with access to sporting facilities in their local communities we can make it easier for people to get involved in physical activity.
“The Ngurupai Sports Complex is an important piece of infrastructure for the local community and I have no doubt that the people of Horn Island will enjoy these facilities for years to come.”
Mr Pitt said Wasaga Village was also receiving a new sewerage scheme as part of the Torres Strait Major Infrastructure Program.
“The Major Infrastructure Program is a matched funding program of the Queensland and Australian governments to improve the health and wellbeing of those living in Torres Strait region,” he said.
“Torres Shire Council is managing the construction of the $8.3 million sewerage scheme on Horn Island and has also provided funding for the project.
“The new scheme is expected to be completed in the middles of this year and will replace the existing septic systems with fully reticulated sewerage systems, a sewage treatment plant and an effluent ocean outfall.
“The new scheme will be in full compliance with Queensland’s environmental licensing requirements.
“The existing septic systems have not operated satisfactorily, posing significant public health and environmental hazards. This project will be of great benefit to the environmental health of the community.”
Mr Pitt said the project would also benefit the Horn Island community by providing sub-contract and employment opportunities during the construction phase.
“Torres Shire Council employees will also be trained in the effective operations and maintenance of the sewerage scheme,” he said.
“Overall, these two new projects will contribute greatly to the quality of life on Horn Island.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819