A NOD to the Far North's ties with the Far East, a stunning living tribute for fallen soldiers and vital lighting for community sports fields are among the projects to benefit from almost $2 million in State Government cash.

Far Northern councils have nabbed $1,977,423 of a $12.5 million funding package unveiled by Queensland's Local Government Minister David Crisafulli in Cairns yesterday.

As well as $100,000 to expand Cairns' network of CCTV security cameras, the city has also been handed $88,000 to build a Chinese heritage trail on Grafton St.

The trail will display historic artefacts saved from a demolished temple that stood on Grafton St during the strip's former incarnation as Cairns' China Town.

"We've already seen the steps in the right direction with the flights from China coming in; let's give them an experience to remember, let's create something that shows that the Far North is proud of its Chinese heritage," Mr Crisafulli said.

The proposal to plant an Avenue of Honour at Lake Tinaroo to remember soldiers who have died in the Afghanistan war will benefit from a $30,000 kickstart.

"I am absolutely delighted and grateful that the State Government has chosen to recognise the importance of the Avenue of Honour," said its creator Gordon Chuck, the father of killed soldier Ben Chuck.
He said that the Avenue of Honour had touched a nerve deep within the Australian people.

"It is resounding through the nation, the importance of us putting something in place that will be forever there to remind people of the commitment and sacrifice that is made by so few for so many."

Mr Chuck said the $30,000 contribution brought the amount either received or pledged to about $90,000. The total cost will be $200,000.

The biggest grant was $1.6 million for Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council to build a civic centre near the heart of town. The Cook, Mapoon and Wujal Wujal councils were also included in the funds.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council has received $240,000 to upgrade the current lights on the main playing field at Tully and install new lights on the third sports field, the dog training ground, and show facility.

NEW CAIRNS.COM.AU COMMENT POLICY
We welcome your comments on this story. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Comments submitted without a full name and suburb/location will not be considered for publication. Please read our full comment policy and publication guidelines.

Share this article