Published Friday, 31 October, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
‘Welcome’ sign proud addition to Yarrabah community
A project initiated by the Bligh Government to create and install a “welcome” sign at the entrance to Yarrabah is helping to build a sense of pride in the community.
Main Roads and Local Government Minister and Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt, who joined members of his Caucus Committee on a visit to Yarrabah today, was impressed with the positive image the sign had created.
"The welcome signage – jointly funded by both my departments, Main Roads and Local Government – is located right at the doorway to the shire and presents the Yarrabah community as 'paradise by the sea',” Mr Pitt said.
"The sign includes a fan palm, representing the region's rainforests, colourful coral, to represent the reef and the sea, and a sea hawk, which watches over the Yarrabah community.
"The Yarrabah Shire Council deserves congratulations for the initiative it has shown to improve the town's image through this signage. It really displays the sense of pride that the people of Yarrabah have for their community."
The council’s chief executive officer, Leon Yateman, said the idea for the sign arose during a Community Cabinet meeting at Yarrabah in July last year.
"We wanted to create a welcoming entry to the town that would impress visitors and help build a sense of pride in the community," he said.
"We worked in partnership with Main Roads with regards to the sign's artwork and design, with installation by both council and Main Roads work crews.
"Previously, visitors and locals arriving into town would be greeted by an alcohol management sign. They are now greeted by a large welcoming sign that represents our beautiful surroundings."
Yarrabah is located about 37km south of Cairns and is a community of about 3000 residents.
Mr Pitt said the health and wellbeing of Indigenous and island communities was a key priority for the Queensland Government.
"We will continue to work closely with the state's Indigenous councils to build their capacity and to improve infrastructure and environmental health services,” he said.
"We are also working to improve quality of life for residents of these communities by maintaining or improving the road network to improve connectivity and access to essential services.”
Current roadworks planned for the area include an upgrade to the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Warner Road, known locally as Yarrabah Road, scheduled to start in early 2009.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads and Local Government Minister and Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt, who joined members of his Caucus Committee on a visit to Yarrabah today, was impressed with the positive image the sign had created.
"The welcome signage – jointly funded by both my departments, Main Roads and Local Government – is located right at the doorway to the shire and presents the Yarrabah community as 'paradise by the sea',” Mr Pitt said.
"The sign includes a fan palm, representing the region's rainforests, colourful coral, to represent the reef and the sea, and a sea hawk, which watches over the Yarrabah community.
"The Yarrabah Shire Council deserves congratulations for the initiative it has shown to improve the town's image through this signage. It really displays the sense of pride that the people of Yarrabah have for their community."
The council’s chief executive officer, Leon Yateman, said the idea for the sign arose during a Community Cabinet meeting at Yarrabah in July last year.
"We wanted to create a welcoming entry to the town that would impress visitors and help build a sense of pride in the community," he said.
"We worked in partnership with Main Roads with regards to the sign's artwork and design, with installation by both council and Main Roads work crews.
"Previously, visitors and locals arriving into town would be greeted by an alcohol management sign. They are now greeted by a large welcoming sign that represents our beautiful surroundings."
Yarrabah is located about 37km south of Cairns and is a community of about 3000 residents.
Mr Pitt said the health and wellbeing of Indigenous and island communities was a key priority for the Queensland Government.
"We will continue to work closely with the state's Indigenous councils to build their capacity and to improve infrastructure and environmental health services,” he said.
"We are also working to improve quality of life for residents of these communities by maintaining or improving the road network to improve connectivity and access to essential services.”
Current roadworks planned for the area include an upgrade to the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Warner Road, known locally as Yarrabah Road, scheduled to start in early 2009.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819