Green light for jobs boost

A NEW water park in Charters Towers, expanding Wi-fi coverage at locations in Ayr and Home Hill and upgrading the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre pool in Townsville have been given the green light.

They are just a handful of some 31 projects in North Queensland that will go ahead with funding under the state government’s $200m COVID Works for Queensland program.

The projects are expected to create or support 285 jobs across the regions.

The program is part of the $6bn economic recovery strategy, Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs.

The Member for Mundingburra, Coralee O’rourke, said the projects would make a real difference to the region.

“I am very pleased that projects like improving the irrigation system at the Palmetum Botanical Gardens and upgrades to the 50m pool at the Northern Beaches Leisure Centre will be funded through this initiative,” she said.

“While there’s no doubt our people are resilient, I know these projects, and the jobs they create, will be extremely welcome during this tough time.”

Numerous projects slated for Palm Island have been welcomed by the Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart.

“There will be upgrades at six parks and recreational areas on Palm Island, which is a fantastic outcome for everyone living there,” he said.

The Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, said the funding was a major part of the Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan that was “vital as we deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic”.

In announcing the projects, Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the positive impacts would be felt almost immediately.

“This program is specifically designed to help councils get their communities back on their feet as quickly as possible and minimise any long-term effects of the global coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“In total, 520 projects are being funded, which the councils tell us will support or create more than 4600 jobs.”

Townsville mayor Jenny Hill said the council was looking forward to delivering the projects for the community.

“These projects will make a real difference in helping the community get through this period by improving liveability as well as creating jobs for local families,” Ms Hill said.

Projects are required to be completed by June 2021.