Published Thursday, 29 January, 2009 at 03:59 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Palm Island benefits from Blueprint for the Bush funding – Pitt
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council will receive almost $50,000 in funding towards the establishment of the new Palm Island markets.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt today announced the funding of $49, 532 through the State Government’s Blueprint for the Bush initiative.
Mr Pitt will be in north Queensland this weekend, along with the Premier, Cabinet colleagues and senior public servants, for the Bligh Government’s two-day Community Cabinet meeting.
The meeting provides residents of the Townsville and Burdekin areas to meet with the Premier, Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries on their own turf.
Mr Pitt said the new markets would be a valuable community asset and would help residents of Palm Island to develop commercial activities and build financial independence.
“The aim of this project is to provide Palm Islanders the opportunity to strengthen and enhance the community through the establishment of their very first regular market,” he said.
“It is a chance to showcase locally made arts and crafts along with fresh vegetables grown on the island.”
Mr Pitt said the idea was originally put forward at a Palm Island government delegation day and received support from a large portion of the community, including councillors, elders and other community leaders.
“The project will involve up to 50 Islanders and will include training for Coolgaree Community Development Employment Project workers in the construction of traditional shelters and the purchase of 10 shade shelters,” he said.
“The Bligh Government is committed to building strong and sustainable communities across Queensland and the benefits of this project include promotional opportunities encouraging mainlanders to visit the island on market day.
"One of the major goals of the Blueprint for the Bush program is for communities to be viable and strong so it is important that they have access to funding initiatives such as these.
“The Blueprint for the Bush’s Our Place Our Future initiative provides rural and remote communities with the resources to strengthen their capacity to shape their future.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt today announced the funding of $49, 532 through the State Government’s Blueprint for the Bush initiative.
Mr Pitt will be in north Queensland this weekend, along with the Premier, Cabinet colleagues and senior public servants, for the Bligh Government’s two-day Community Cabinet meeting.
The meeting provides residents of the Townsville and Burdekin areas to meet with the Premier, Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries on their own turf.
Mr Pitt said the new markets would be a valuable community asset and would help residents of Palm Island to develop commercial activities and build financial independence.
“The aim of this project is to provide Palm Islanders the opportunity to strengthen and enhance the community through the establishment of their very first regular market,” he said.
“It is a chance to showcase locally made arts and crafts along with fresh vegetables grown on the island.”
Mr Pitt said the idea was originally put forward at a Palm Island government delegation day and received support from a large portion of the community, including councillors, elders and other community leaders.
“The project will involve up to 50 Islanders and will include training for Coolgaree Community Development Employment Project workers in the construction of traditional shelters and the purchase of 10 shade shelters,” he said.
“The Bligh Government is committed to building strong and sustainable communities across Queensland and the benefits of this project include promotional opportunities encouraging mainlanders to visit the island on market day.
"One of the major goals of the Blueprint for the Bush program is for communities to be viable and strong so it is important that they have access to funding initiatives such as these.
“The Blueprint for the Bush’s Our Place Our Future initiative provides rural and remote communities with the resources to strengthen their capacity to shape their future.”
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819