Over $6 million for Cape communities from resources fund

Two Cape York communities will share in over $6.10 million for local projects thanks to round two funding from the $100 million Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF).

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said Mapoon and Weipa will gain additional camping, sporting and recreation facilities.

“Queensland communities should be the first to benefit when the resource sector they support succeeds,” Mr Miles said.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government has partnered with the resources sector to deliver the $100 million fund.

“This round two funding will enhance the project pipeline flowing into resources communities.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering for remote communities with RCIF.

“The RCIF is delivering for our communities, upgrading the Cullen Point Campground in Mapoon to deliver a new historical walk, and building a new youth Precinct in Weipa which will provide new sports and recreation facilities,” Ms Lui said.

“This is all part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to preserving our great Queensland lifestyle and making it even better.”

“Thanks to RCIF, Mapoon’s the Cullen Point Campground will be upgraded and a historical walk developed through the old mission and Weipa will have new a youth precinct providing enhanced sport and recreation facilities.”

Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Cr Aileen Addo said council would receive over $2.8 million for the campground upgrade and the development of an historical interpretation walk of mission village building sites in the Old Mapoon Precinct.

“Works will include installing concrete pads for camp sites, two shelter structures with seating and three amenities blocks,” Cr Addo said.

“The funding will also provide for concrete paths, signage, power to the site, automatic solar lighting, and landscaping.

“We will gain expanded and improved camping and day visitor facilities and visitors will have greater opportunities to learn about the history of Mapoon. This will provide opportunities for new local guided-tour services and visitor experiences that will support jobs and economic development.”

Weipa Town Authority Chair Michael Rowland said the grant of over $3.3 million would deliver a vibrant public sport, recreation and youth space for the town.

“This project will create a modern, inclusive youth precinct and vibrant public space for the Weipa community,” Mr Rowland said.

“Works include upgrading the existing skatepark and cricket areas, installing new multi-function courts for ball sports, safe meeting spaces, amenities, pathways, lighting, landscaping and CCTV.

“It will also expand the skate and ride facilities and enhance the oval. When complete, the project will help to support a positive and healthy community and youth culture in Weipa by providing new sport and recreation opportunities and a safe place to make connections and have fun.”

Member for Townsville and Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering for regional Queensland through the RCIF.

 “The Palaszczuk Government has committed $30 million to the fund with participating Queensland coal and mineral resources companies contributing $70 million,” Minister Stewart said.

“The projects not only deliver infrastructure that further improves liveability in resource communities, they also create more jobs and more opportunities for regional Queenslanders.

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane welcomed the announcement of round two funding projects.

“The QRC is the peak body for coal, metal and gas explorers, producers and suppliers and we are very proud that members of our industry are contributing a total of $70 million to the RCIF for projects that will have significant benefits for our local resource communities,” Mr Macfarlane said.

An expert Advisory Committee considered RCIF applications for both funding rounds.

Committee Chair Tony Mooney said there had been strong interest in both of the RCIF rounds.

“Resources communities can now get ready to continue benefitting from the RCIF through this new round of projects,” Mr Mooney said.

“The committee looks forward to resources communities, including workers and their families, enjoying the many benefits of these projects.”

ENDS

Media contact:          Katharine Wright 0422 580 342