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Minister for Fire and Emergency Services The Honourable Craig Crawford
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An upgrade of Yorkeys Knob Esplanade – with Palaszczuk Government funding of $1.85 million – is just one project delivering jobs and infrastructure for Far North Queensland under the $600 million Works for Queensland program.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister and Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the government’s program was supporting 2,524 jobs in the region.
“The latest data underlines the value to our economy of this important initiative,” Mr Crawford said.
“Works for Queensland has pumped $133.5 million into 437 approved local government projects across the Far North.”
The Yorkeys Knob foreshore upgrade included sealing and line marking of the carpark near Wattle St, new and upgraded paths, new toilets and a storage facility for sporting groups.
A new playground was constructed at the southern end of the esplanade and a purpose-built transition zone for triathlon events was created.
In addition, the foreshore received new barbecues, picnic tables and shelters, bubblers, bins, seating, irrigation, bollards, CCTV, lighting, interpretive signage, and a level area for kite surfing.
“Projects like this one are enhancing our communities, stimulating the economy and providing work opportunities for hundreds of people in the Far North,” Mr Crawford said.
Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said: “Whenever I visit regional Queensland, I see first-hand the positive impact Works for Queensland is delivering in local communities.
“It’s delivering important new infrastructure, promoting economic development and supporting local jobs.”
Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the projects “are making communities more attractive and better places to live and work”.
“And this program is giving jobs – and hope – to long term unemployed, including some people who have never had a job,” he said.
Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said across the state more than 11,500 regional Queenslanders have gained jobs as a direct result of the Works for Queensland program, and that number continues to grow.
“The Palaszczuk Government is investing $600 million in Works for Queensland over six years, so there is more to come.
“The program is great for council workers, great for tradies and great for the businesses that supply the materials used.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said communities in her electorate could see the positive results of the investment.
“Projects like the extension to the Flagstaff Walking Track at Port Douglas and others throughout local councils in my electorate are making a real difference,” she said.
For more information about Works for Queensland, visit www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/works-for-queensland
ENDS
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