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Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning - The Honourable Cameron Dick
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The Coen community in Far North Queensland has a reduced risk of surface and ground water contamination, thanks to a funding partnership between the Palaszczuk Government and Cook Shire Council worth almost $745,000.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Coen Landfill Leachate Infrastructure Upgrade is designed to prevent leachate from landfill leaking during rain events and contaminating surface and groundwater.
“This project ensures that the Coen landfill site complies with state environment legislation aimed at preventing pollution entering the environment,” he said.
“This essential containment infrastructure included bunds for three landfill cells, leachate collection and drainage, and a storage pond for disposal by evaporation at the Coen landfill site.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said local council estimates five jobs were supported for the duration of construction.
“This is a great result from an upgrade that is vital for environmental health and improving the water quality and visual amenity of waterways in the Coen area,” Ms Lui said.
Mr Dick said the infrastructure came in $8,172 under budget and has been operating since its completion in January this year.
“Our government contributed $494,458 in funding through the Building our Regions program, with Cook Shire Council contributing the remaining $250,208,” he said.
This critical infrastructure includes facilities to contain, intercept and store leachate to comply with state environmental legislation aimed at preventing pollution entering the environment from landfills.
Building our Regions has allocated $225 million towards 174 critical infrastructure projects across 62 local governments in regional Queensland, generating approximately 1762 jobs.
For more information about the program and this project visit the Building our Regions website.
ENDS
Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039
