Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

New projects to support communities in the Cape

Joint Media Release with:

  • Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Minister for Disability Reform

Remote Indigenous communities in Cape York will share in more than $540,000 from the Gillard Government to upgrade community infrastructure and create local jobs.

The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Senator for Queensland, Jan McLucas said the projects responded directly the needs of residents in Aurukun and Coen.

“We talked with local people about what they needed to grow their communities and create more opportunities for residents, and we are responding directly to that feedback,” Ms Macklin said.

“People in Aurukun told us the local cemetery was reaching capacity and they needed a new one. They also said the local sporting oval had been damaged by extreme weather in the region and needed upgrading.

“This new funding means the community can build a new cemetery and upgrade their sporting oval so they can hold rugby league and AFL games.

“The community also said they wanted to acknowledge the contribution that people in Aurukun had made during times of war. A new war memorial will be built to allow locals to recognise the personal sacrifice of residents.”

Senator McLucas said the new projects would create jobs for the region.

“These projects will employ up to 15 local people over the building period, and three permanent positions at the Aurukun Shire Council will also be created to manage the ongoing maintenance of these sites,” Senator McLucas said.

“This will give residents new skills and qualifications, with opportunities for accredited training in horticulture, small engines, machinery operation and fencing.

“We are also providing funding to the Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation to enage a local asset manager in Coen.”

The funding from the Gillard Government will be provided under the Indigenous Remote Service delivery Special Account.

“The Australian Government has delivered $46 million over three years for high-priority projects in remote Indigenous communities like Aurukun and Coen,” Ms Macklin said.

“There is a strong focus on investing in projects that are identified by the local community.

“The Government is really pleased to continue supporting residents in the Cape through improved community facilities and new training and job opportunities.”