The federal government is to spend $50 million on housing and public infrastructure projects in Far North Queensland.
Almost $25 million was allocated under the Housing Support Program package to boost social housing numbers and build infrastructure and amenities such as roads, stormwater drainage, earthworks and utility connections.
Five housing projects were also allocated funding:
- $6.5m for two new residential expansion areas north and south of Pormpuraaw;
- $1.6m to turn 14 lots into 34 lots at Napranum;
- $9.9m to deliver 32 fully serviced lots in Seisia;
- $5.1m on a 20-lot social housing development in Bamaga; and
- $1.8m to improve access and provide essential trunk infrastructure in New Mapoon.
Seven projects will share in almost $25m allocated under the Growing Regions Program. These projects are:
- $4m for the Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre;
- $2m to upgrade the PCYC Cairns;
- $5m to upgrade the Redlynch Community Sporting Precinct;
- $2.65m for stage two of a cultural centre in Dixie;
- $1.96m for streetscape beautification and shared cycle-pedestrian paths in Mapoon;
- $7.49m for a new council and community hub for Wujal Wujal; and
- $1.84m for a digital services centre at Hope Vale.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the projects “mean more houses for more Cairns locals and better community facilities to bring them together”.
“We want to see more social housing and more quality community led infrastructure where people need it most,” he says.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King says that “from Pormpuraaw to Cairns, we’re boosting homes and connecting communities by building the infrastructure they deserve”.
“Whether cultural or community centres, sports facilities or town centres, we want to make our regions even better places to live, work and play – and that’s what we’re investing in here in Far North Queensland,” she says.
“This builds on our significant investment in Cairns through projects such as the Cairns Water Security, CQ University and Cairns Marine Project, and of course, the $7.2 billion we announced to fix the Bruce Highway.”