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Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development The Honourable Shannon Fentiman
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The 2018/19 State Budget will include $12 million over two years to deliver a much-needed upgrade of ageing infrastructure that is compromising the quality of the Torres Shire’s drinking water.
Ministerial Champion for the Torres Strait Shannon Fentiman said the new funding would ensure a safer supply of drinking water on Horn, Thursday and Hammond islands.
“We’ve listened to the people of the Torres Strait about the water supply issues they’re facing, and we’re now investing $12 million to deliver new and improved infrastructure,” she said. “This is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to the provision of essential services to Queensland’s remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities. “We’ll continue to respond to the needs of these communities and ensure residents get the services they expect and deserve.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui has welcomed the new funding commitment.
“This is a great outcome for the Torres Strait – it will ensure a clean, safe supply of drinking water is available in these communities,” she said.
“Minister Fentiman has been a strong advocate for a solution to the water problem in this part of my electorate and I want to acknowledge her efforts to secure this $12 million in funding.
“We will keep these communities fully up to date on the progress of these new works as the new investment is rolled out.” Minister for Local Government Stirling Hinchliffe said the government was always looking for opportunities to partner with councils to deliver new and improved infrastructure.
“I want to acknowledge the contribution of Cynthia Lui, who has been a great champion for these projects that will deliver outstanding results in both communities,” he said.
Torres Shire Council Mayor Vonda Malone said she was pleased that a solution was under consideration after the many discussions with Ms Fentiman and Ms Lui.
“I’d just like to thank Cynthia and the Minister for the work they’ve put into both raising the issue and getting us to this point,” she said.
ENDS
Media: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116
