Extra $11M to boost Stradbroke Island economy

The Palaszczuk Government will deliver an extra $11 million in next week’s Budget to support North Stradbroke Island’s economic development.  

Announcing the funding at Point Lookout on World Environment Day, Acting Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the funding was on top of $20 million allocated to the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy in 2016.

“Straddie is one of South-East Queensland’s most iconic and beautiful holiday destinations. It’s where I’ve been taking my kids for years and I know that so many Queenslanders have fantastic memories here,” Ms Trad said.

“It’s such an incredible place it’s even attracting the likes of Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth to Queensland.

“With the end of sandmining on Straddie the time is right to invest in the projects that will shape the island’s future economy, working side-by-side with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation.

“That’s why we’re committing more than $11 million to help transition the island’s economy away from sand mining to a broader industry base by supporting a range of sustainable tourism and local business initiatives.

“We are putting in $1.55 million to construct a world-class whale interpretive facility at Point Lookout after previously funding $250,000 for feasibility, detailed design approvals and tendering.

“A further $1.7 million will be used to expand the capacity of the island’s existing 14-bed aged care facility, $900,000 for bushfire management plans, $1 million for urgent infrastructure works at One Mile and $4.35 million for national park management.”

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said next month’s State Budget would deliver funding over the next three years.

“This includes increased funding of $4.75 million over two years, including $3.25 million in 2018-19 towards projects to develop the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy,” Mr Dick said.

“Other projects to receive new funding include $250,000 to support expansion of the market for school camps, field studies and tertiary research visitation on the island, $750,000 to develop and improve recreational trails for walking and cycling and $500,000 to provide location and interpretive signage at key island locations.

“My department will continue to work closely with Redland City Council, the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, the Straddie Chamber of Commerce and other agencies to deliver 23 projects under the strategy to stimulate business development, increase economic activity and create sustainable jobs,” Mr Dick said.

ENDS

Media contact: Clare Manton 0432 446 268

Pictures: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1TcETVhibuRM68qxRr5i889ZiYrgL5EpP