Queensland Premier announces more than $22 million worth of new projects in the north-west region over the next three years
Premier Anna Bligh has announced more than $22 million worth of new projects in the north-west region over the next three years to create or retain hundreds of jobs in the region.
She says more than $13 million in funding will begin to flow from June this year and will create 170 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs over the next three years.
The funding, from the $100 million Sustainable Resource Communities (SRC) support package, has been earmarked for projects in the north-west minerals province that provide the maximum employment.
“These projects have been specially selected because they prepare for the future and supply jobs in the region now,” says Bligh.
“This region has been badly hit by the global financial crisis and we know we must do everything we can to create employment during these tough economic times.
“But these are also vital projects that will improve road infrastructure, health services and recreation facilities in the region and funding will start to flow for the six projects from June.”
The projects are:
Cloncurry Hospital aged care annex – $6.5 million 10-bed aged care annex attached to the Cloncurry Hospital, upgrading the communities existing three-bed capacity and adding seven new beds. To be completed by June 2012.
Cloncurry Pool upgrade – $400,000 contribution to Cloncurry Regional Council for the further upgrade to the pool including a mobility hoist, upgrade of the amenities block, and other priority works to improve all year round access to the pool. To be completed by June 2010.
Dialysis patient accommodation – $800,000 new four-bedroom/bathroom dwelling to provide accommodation for renal dialysis patients from Mt Isa Hospital. To be completed by June 2010.
Flinders Highway – $4.9 million worth of flood mitigation improvements on the Flinders Highway between Julia Creek and Cloncurry, to improve safety, capacity and reliability.
Gregory Camooweal Road surface extension – paving of sections of the Gregory Camooweal Road between Camooweal and Gregory, at a cost of $5 million.
New staff retention accommodation – facilities to retain key frontline health and police staff, including five new or upgraded dwellings to ensure attraction and retention of key health and police staff for Mt Isa. $4.52 million.
“Funding for each of these projects will start in June meaning there will be an immediate jobs boost for the region,” says the Premier