Bligh deals out Cairns booster bucks
BREAKING NEWS: Sewerage projects, a PNG jobs ambassador and a marine training simulator are part of an Cairns economic boost announced by Premier Anna Bligh this morning.
The Cassowary Coast and Tablelands regional councils will receive $42.2 million to fix sewerage problems and upgrade water treatment works, which the Government says will support nearly 300 jobs in the region.
"These are new projects that were previously not on the drawing board and it means jobs for building companies and contractors in this region," Ms Bligh said in Cairns this morning.
The projects are part of "Cairns' Economic Future" a plan which also includes fast-tracking many previously announced projects.
The Trinity Wharf cruise liner terminal and Cairns Base Hospital redevelopment are among the list of projects highlighted in the document.
"We will also be working with the business community here to create Cairns as a strong trade hub for Papua New Guinea," Ms Bligh said.
"Next Wednesday we will advertise a new position for a special trade representative for the Papua New Guinea region based in Cairns.
"That will be a position that will lead trade delegations and work with the Cairns business community to make sure that Cairns and this region sees some of the action out of the growth that is happening in the Papuan economy.
"There are real opportunities for Cairns to be working with Papua New Guinea to ensure that local businesses here can share their expertise with its very near neighbour as its industry, particularly its mining sector, grows."
She said the government was adding to its marine training facility commitment with extra funds for an inshore craft training simulator and maritime safety training facility at the marine training college.
"That's $2.5 million of new funds to bring the first marine simulator training facility into the maritime training facility here," Ms Bligh said.
The Government will also spend $400,000 on extra bush camping facilities for Cape York $400,000 at Cockatoo Creekand Vrilya Point.
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