Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, Mark Ryan MP joined Kowanyama community representatives today to officially open two important infrastructure projects supported by the Palaszczuk Government.
Kowanyama Ministerial Champion Minister Ryan said over $2 million was provided to Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council towards the completion of the Kowanyama Transport Hub – Airport Terminal Stage 2 project and Kowanyama Community Meeting Place.
"The Kowanyama Airport Terminal received $1 million from the Building our Regions (BoR) program and $500,000 from the Works for Queensland program, with Council contributing approximately $105,000 to improve the security, safety and efficiency of the airport," Minister Ryan said.
"The latest works included adding more seating, an undercover standing area, a secure undercover baggage area, disabled and baby-change facilities, and a kiosk and office space.
"The completion of these works will boost tourism and business opportunities, with long-term connectivity benefits for residents, fly-in/fly-out service providers, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, airline staff, and visitors to the region."
Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui MP said Council also received $520,000 from the Works for Queensland program and the COVID Works for Queensland program for upgrades to the Kowanyama Community Meeting Place to create a more modern hub for locals to congregate, learn and connect.
"These newly upgraded facilities will allow for a variety of existing and new community activities and events, arts and crafts, as well as provide new employment and training opportunities," Ms Lui said.
"In the short term it is also providing an interim meeting venue for the local women's group while their facility is being finished."
Director General of the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Government Champion for Kowanyama, Damien Walker said programs such as Building our Regions and Works for Queensland are designed to assist councils to build or upgrade infrastructure for the long-term good of their communities.
"Over $1.1 million has been provided for two projects by the Building our Regions program and $7.96 million by the Works for Queensland and COVID Works for Queensland programs towards Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council projects alone," Mr Walker said.
"This includes funding to upgrade the kiddies wading pool and pumps, women's meeting place stage 2 and 3, workshop compound stage 3 and an additional staff house.
"For Building our Regions this is part of $29 million in funding provided towards 52 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community priority projects, supporting an estimated 131 jobs during construction.
"While Works for Queensland and COVID Works for Queensland has provided more than $140 million towards 470 projects that have created or supported almost 2,300 jobs so far to Indigenous councils.
"This is fantastic investment in the future of regional businesses and trades, as well as in the development of burgeoning communities."
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Robbie Sands thanked the Government for its support to deliver these crucial projects in Kowanyama.
"The completion of the Community Meeting Place allows us to support our locals better, with more opportunities for engagement activities, education, support groups and events," said Mr Sands.
"And with the Kowanyama Transport Hub now having the same facilities as other airports, we hope to increase visitors to the region all year round supporting the development of our local economy."
