Mareeba Industrial Park will undergo a $3.5 million expansion after receiving $1,490,000 funding through Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government’s successful $295 million Building our Regions fund.
The project is also being supported with $1.01 million from Mareeba Shire Council and $1 million from the Australian Government.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the expansion will allow for large-scale development of commercial and industrial land, strengthening Mareeba’s role as an industrial hub for northern Australia.
“Agriculture is the largest sector in Mareeba Shire, so expanding the town’s capacity as an agricultural services hub for Far North Queensland is important for both Mareeba and its surrounding communities,” Ms Lui said.
“The project will allow for new businesses to operate out of the hub in areas such as agriculture, mining and cattle, and will generate diverse job opportunities in addition to creating around 11 jobs during construction.
“The industrial park is strategically located at the centre of major freight routes that connect ports along the north and eastern seaboard of Australia, and will help diversify the region’s economy.
“The park is also located within Australia’s third largest fruit producing region, so there is a present need for large volumes of freight to move from the region to markets.”
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government is invested in helping regional economies build on their traditional strengths and tap into new markets.
“We want to position our regions to be resilient, sustainable and liveable, to ensure their ongoing prosperity and growth,” Mr Dick said.
“By working with councils to identify the long-term projects that will deliver local growth, support local businesses and open up more opportunities, we are ensuring our regional communities have the valuable infrastructure in place to forge ahead.”
Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Tom Gilmore welcomed the funding announcement and said the expansion presented the region with a wonderful opportunity.
“Agriculture is one of our region’s highest priorities, so having the right tools to stimulate and sustain the industry is extremely important,” Mr Gilmore said.
“We sincerely thank the Queensland Government for this funding, which will allow the continued growth to enhance and secure Mareeba’s existing position as a regional supply and service hub.”
Round 4 of Building our Regions will see the Palaszczuk Government partner with 37 councils on 49 projects – work which will create an estimated 657 jobs.
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.
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