A new food and social hub is on the menu for Mornington Island, off the back of funding through Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government's successful $295 million Building our Regions (BoR) program.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said this latest round of BoR will see the state partner with 37 councils on 49 projects.
"This work will deliver vital infrastructure to our communities and will stimulate regional economic growth, while supporting an estimated 657 jobs," Mr Dick said.
"The $1,201,500 Lelka Murrin Restaurant and Kiosk Development project is receiving $1 million through BoR, with Mornington Shire Council contributing $201,500."
Mornington Island Ministerial Champion Craig Crawford said the funding will provide greater employment and lifestyle opportunities for the island community, while creating new jobs, including four during the construction period.
"The Lelka Murrin Restaurant and Kiosk Development will transform the old Gununa Tavern into a new food and socialising hub to be enjoyed by the wider community," Mr Crawford said.
"The $1.2 million upgrades will modernise the existing building's interior layout, support the installation of a new cool room and air-conditioner system, and improve site access to a restaurant, café and kiosk that will all offer healthy food options.
"The new food hub will support more than four local jobs and encourage greater social opportunities for the community, with the upgrade enabling the island to potentially bring sit-down dining back to Mornington Shire.
"This is a great example of the state working with local council to create social and economic opportunities for residents in our more remote communities."
Mornington Shire Council Acting Mayor Sarah Isaacs said the new retail development will be warmly welcomed by the island.
"We're grateful of the support of the Queensland Government in investing in Mornington Shire to develop better facilities and infrastructure to drive opportunities for our community," Ms Isaacs said.
"The Lelka Murrin Restaurant and Kiosk Development upgrade will provide a great new space for our community to gather, socialise and build our strong community spirit."
Under previous rounds, the program has allocated $225 million to 174 critical infrastructure projects across the state, generating 1762 jobs and attracting additional investment of $353.5 million from councils and other organisations.
Learn more about the Building our Regions program.
