Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
The Honourable Tim Mulherin

Thursday, September 10, 2009

North Burnett gets $1M boost

10 September 2009

North Burnett gets $1M boost

The Queensland Government today announced it will fund three new economic development projects in the North Burnett region totalling almost $1 million.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the three initiatives would assist the region’s development and create 18 jobs.

“The projects will be implemented by the North Burnett Regional Council,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Firstly there is $312,400 to help establish a gang to maintain the Council’s 65 timber bridges, and the funding will pay for training and half of the gang’s wages for the first year.

“What’s great is that the bridge maintenance gang is expected to be permanently employed by Council.

“Council’s plan is to offer the gang’s services to Main Roads and neighbouring Councils to help with the ongoing maintenance of the 350 timber bridges in the region.”

Mr Mulherin said $330,000 would go towards constructing the first of three Duplex houses that will be built to give seasonal workers a place to stay when they are in Bundaberg.

‘The housing will provide much needed accommodation for workers who are employed every year to assist with seasonal agricultural work such as the regional citrus harvest.”

The Minister said the remaining $326,150 would be used for the construction of two walking tracks and viewing platforms at Auburn River National Park.

“These tracks will add to the attractiveness of the region to tourists who are on their way from the south east to central and far north Queensland.”

Mr Mulherin said the North Burnett region had been impacted over the past few years as the hardwood processing industry restructured to operate more sustainably.

“The global financial crisis has also affected mining and tourism and these projects being funded will help the region adjust,” he said.

“The State Government is committed to looking at ways to boost local economies and generate jobs for regional Queenslanders, particularly in places where opportunities may not be as diverse.”

It was expected that further economic development opportunities and jobs would be identified through a Queensland Government-funded North Burnett Region Tourism Strategy currently being developed.

Media: Matt Watson 3239 3120

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