A new retail and business centre will create more job prospects on Palm 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 $1,019,241 Palm Island Retail and Business Precinct – Stage 2 project is receiving $999,241 through BoR, with Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council contributing $20,000.”
Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership and Palm Island Ministerial Champion Jackie Trad said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to support council in achieving their long-term vision for the community.
“We want to see Palm Island prosper and grow, and through Building our Regions our government is providing the support needed for a bright future,” Ms Trad said.
“This precinct will stimulate employment, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen Palm Island’s economy.
“Six ground-level tenancies will provide space for recreational goods and clothing stores, with a tourism office, café, hairdressing salon, takeaway store and pharmacy also planned.
“Three new local jobs will be created during construction, with a range of long-term roles to be sustained once the precinct is up and running.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said better infrastructure means better opportunities.
“Palm Island has a bright future and it’s an exciting time for the local community,” Mr Stewart said.
“It’s through programs like Building Our Regions that locals find work and economies flourish.”
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Alf Lacey said the new development will be warmly welcomed by the island.
“We’re grateful of the support of the Queensland Government in investing in Palm Island to develop better facilities and infrastructure to drive opportunities for our community,” Mr Lacey said.
“This infrastructure builds on the previous Palm Island Sport Precinct Essential Services Upgrade, which was also supported by the Building our Regions fund.”
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.
