Cloncurry and Mount Isa
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People came from far and wide to Premier Anna Bligh's first Community Cabinet which was held in the Cloncurry Shire Hall
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Premier's message
Premier Anna Bligh enjoying a game of pool with Spinifex State College students
Left to right: Elizabeth Currin, Melissa Tigh, Terry Kelly, Premier Bligh, Matt Reid, Casey Rossow, Charmaine Punch, Blake Daley, Richelle Watson, Alexia Mow, Morgan Adler, Kasey-Lee Davie, Brooke Sollitt, Nerissa Parsons
I was delighted that my first Community Cabinet since becoming Premier was held in the Cloncurry/Mount Isa area. I was especially pleased to hold Monday's Cabinet meeting at Spinifex Residential College and meet with the wonderful students and staff there.
The north-west of our state is making a huge contribution to Queensland's economy and the two days we spent with you enabled us to see for ourselves the challenges and opportunities in this region. At the Community Cabinet, we were able to listen and respond to many questions and concerns from the floor of the forum, during informal discussions and in the pre-booked deputations.
There were many highlights, including the 8000th formal deputation - local Parish Priest Father Mick Lowcock of Mount Isa Centacare, the announcement of Cloncurry becoming Queensland's first solar-powered town and presenting certificates to 17 young graduates of Mount Isa TAFE's Dugalunji Civil Construction and Mining Skills program.
It was a memorable visit to Cloncurry and Mount Isa and I thank you for making us warmly welcome.
Anna Bligh MP
Premier of Queensland
Western women heed the BreastScreen message
Left to right: Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan, Premier Anna Bligh and QantasLink cabin crew members Rachael Glennan and Jade Fordyce
Premier Anna Bligh congratulated women of the west for leading the state in BreastScreen participation.
'Current data shows that participation rates are significantly higher for women in rural and remote areas compared to women in metropolitan areas,' Premier Bligh said.
Just over 58 per cent of Queensland women have regular breast screens. The metropolitan figure is 54 per cent, but the rate for women living in the Mount Isa area is approximately 66 per cent.
The breast screening message was advanced further in the state's north-west, with QantasLink scheduling its 72-seat Q400 Pink Ribbon plane, the National Breast Cancer Foundation linked aircraft, as an additional flight to transport the Cabinet and others to Mount Isa.
Queensland's first solar-powered town
Cloncurry holds the record for Australia's hottest day - 53 degrees in 1889 - which makes it the ideal site for Queensland's first solar-powered town.
Premier Anna Bligh announced that a 10-megawatt solar thermal power station will be built in Cloncurry. It will deliver about 20 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year, enough to power the entire community.
Ergon Energy will develop the project, which is expected to be completed by the summer of 2009-10.
Xstrata powering ahead
Left to right: General Manager Mount Isa Zinc Lead Operations, Xstrata Zinc Kevin Hendry; Deputy Premier Paul Lucas; General Manager Lead Smelting Operations, Xstrata Zinc Fred White and Chief Operating Officer Xstrata Copper Steve de Kruijff
Xstrata's $38 million gas-fired power station XPS was officially opened by Premier Anna Bligh on Sunday 4 November.
The power station will be used to supplement power at Xstrata's Mount Isa Facilities and to power the Lady Annie Copper Mine, 120 km north of Mount Isa.
Historic hangar to be restored
The historic Qantas hangar at Cloncurry will be restored to its former glory with funds provided through the State Government's Q150 Legacy Infrastructure Program. Premier Anna Bligh presented a $187,763 cheque to Mayor of Cloncurry Ed Morrison for the restoration.
The original Qantas hanger situated at the Cloncurry Airport will house a tribute to Cloncurry's long association with Qantas and aviation, including its distinguished war history and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The hangar will feature an exhibition of aircraft equipment and mobile displays.
AFL trio kicks goals
Left to right: AFL Mount Isa Secretary Leif Welin, Parliamentary Secretary Michael Choi, Lake Nash Team Manager Michael Neade, Parliamentary Secretary Rachel Nolan and web editor John Freeman
Three representatives from the Mount Isa Australian Football League competition grabbed the opportunity at Cloncurry to meet with a number of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries to discuss a range of issues relating to AFL football in the north-west.
AFL Mount Isa secretary Leif Welin, Lake Nash team manager Michael Neade and web editor John Freeman discussed the new initiative of young offenders on community orders being attached to local football clubs to assist as water boys, scoreboard attendants, umpires or players. They also discussed the new multi-purpose sporting precinct in Mount Isa.
John Freeman is a big fan of the Community Cabinet concept. 'There is no way our organisation could afford to fly to Brisbane and meet with one third of the Queensland Cabinet like we have been able to do here in Cloncurry today,' John said.
Massive boost for tourism
Left to right: Andrew Upfill, Minister for Tourism Desley Boyle, Premier Anna Bligh, John Swalling and Gail Wipaki at the $25,000 cheque presentation to the Cloncurry Tourism Advisory Committee
The State Government will provide more than $400,000 to boost tourism in the region.
Premier Anna Bligh and Minister for Tourism Desley Boyle announced $300,000 funding for new tourism signs, roadside rest rooms, shaded picnic tables and rubbish bins in the north-west. Local governments and organisations can apply for funding.
The Tourism Minister announced that $25,000 will be provided for new tourist signs in Cloncurry. Eight new signs will be constructed and will include historical photographs and interesting facts.
The Xstrata Community Partnership Program will match funding for a further eight signs, making 16 signs in total.
Ms Boyle also announced two tourism initiatives at the Outback Tourism Awards in Hughenden on Saturday 3 November. The announcement included a $77,500 grant to the Outback Queensland Tourism Authority and the launch of the Destination Management Plan to attract more visitors to the region.
Dusting off an award
The Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival won the Major Events and Festivals category at the 2007 Outback Queensland Tourism awards, held in Hughenden the night before Cloncurry Community Cabinet.
Minister for Tourism Desley Boyle presented the awards and also launched the Destination Management Plan for Tourism in Queensland's Outback. Stephen Malone, President of the Dirt and Dust Festival won Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer.
Beefing up the cattle industry
Northern Queensland will soon have a Beef Industry Development Officer, based in Mount Isa.
The responsibilities of the officer include delivering the 'Future Beef' strategy, advising cattle producers on supply chains, training and supporting agricultural supply precincts in northern Queensland. The officer will also provide advice to DPI&F on the beef industry in the region. This position is in addition to the department's beef research conducted at Julia Creek.
Help for Mount Isa's homeless
Mount Isa people experiencing home-lessness will have access to advice and support thanks to a grant for a dedicated shopfront.
Minister for Communities Lindy Nelson-Carr announced Centacare would receive $655,000 to help buy permanent office space in Miles Street. The funding is part of the Queensland Government's $235 million Responding to Homelessness Strategy.
Scholarships to boost specialist teacher numbers
The Bligh Government will offer scholarships for up to 100 state school teachers to meet the demand for specialist teachers, especially in rural and remote areas.
Minister for Education and Training Rod Welford said the $600,000 program would encourage teachers to become specialists, and existing specialist teachers to upgrade their qualifications.
Riverfront project
Mount Isa is to get a new $6 million recreational precinct in time for the state's 150th celebrations in 2009.
The project will link the CBD to community and recreation areas, including a plaza, pedestrian and cycle bridge, paths and themed art, exercise areas, barbecues and play equipment.
'The Leichhardt River is one of Queensland's mighty rivers and has played an important role in the region's history,' Premier Anna Bligh said.
World-class tennis centre for Mount Isa
Regional tennis centres will benefit from funding to transform them into elite sporting facilities. Tennis organisations in Mount Isa, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Cairns and Thuringowa will share more than $9 million.
Mount Isa's Copper City Tennis Club will receive $556,094 for two additional hard court tennis courts and a new club house.
Road upgrade ahead of schedule
The $28 million Burke Developmental road upgrade between Cloncurry and Normanton is well ahead of schedule.
'Two-thirds of this 180 km section was single-lane bitumen, only 3.6 m wide, but the upgrade widens it to 8 m, providing two lanes with sealed shoulders,' Minister for Main Roads Warren Pitt said.
Sporting stars campaign for good health
Left to right: Matt Bowen (North Qld Cowboys), Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos), Steve Renouf (Department of Sport and Recreation, and former Bronco)
The Indigenous component of the $8.4 million Eat Well Be Active campaign, which encourages physical activity and healthier eating, was launched in Mount Isa.
The campaign aims to encourage members of Indigenous communities to make simple changes that will have a significant impact of their wellbeing.
'Radio advertisements, posters and stickers ram home the message of the importance of healthy living,' Premier Bligh said.
Paramedics honoured
Two new Queensland Ambulance Service officers have been congratulated by Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts on receiving their Diplomas of Paramedical Science (Ambulance). Maree Shelton and Lynette Healy, both of Mount Isa, are now qualified Advanced Care Paramedics.
Maree's background is with the RAAF as a medical assistant. She served as part of the East Timor Peace Keeping Force. Lynette has worked for the QAS since 2000. She started in Cairns, in communications, and in May 2007 moved to Mount Isa.
Cloncurry paramedic Gordon Jones was presented with a Meritorious Service Medal by Minister for Emergency Services Neil Roberts for his contribution to the State Emergency Service. Gordon joined the SES in 1988 and received his award for 15 years service.
On the road to employment
An award-winning road-building alliance was created to complete the 35 km upgrade of the Barkly Highway in north-west Queensland. The Alliance comprises Main Roads, Seymour Whyte Constructions and Myuma - a company run by the land's traditional owners, the Indjilandji-Dhidhanu people.
Minister for Main Roads Warren Pitt said the Indigenous employment, training and business development initiatives developed by Split Rock Inca Alliance evolved into a nationally recognised training program.
Many trainees who worked on the project have gained qualifications and employment in the construction and mining industries, including with Myuma, private contractors and the Mount Isa City Council.
Carpentaria's road to recovery
The Carpentaria Shire Council is to receive $9.2 million towards the cost of restoring roads damaged by flooding in January and February 2007.
Minister for Local Government Warren Pitt said the first instalment of $3.9 million will help the council move forward with repairs to damaged local roads.
The funding has been provided under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements program, a joint state and commonwealth initiative.
Jimaylya Topsy Harry Centre to be expanded
Project Coordination Manager Robert Willetts and Resource Officer Steve Watson from Jimaylya
The Jimaylya Topsy Harry Centre, Mount Isa, will receive $3.4 million over the next three years for an alcohol diversion and homelessness support project.
Minister for Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Lindy Nelson-Carr said the funding would enable the centre to be expanded.
'Established as part of the Indigenous Homelessness Regional Blueprint for Mount Isa, Jimaylya is a vital service developed in response to community concerns about public drinking and the need for a safe place for people to gather within reach of support,' Ms Nelson-Carr said.
The centre offers hostel accommodation for up to 26 people, as well as a 'wet centre' with shelter accommodation. In addition, seven detached houses, the Wulliberri Houses, will be refurbished by the State Government.
Indigenous Partnership Agreement for Doomadgee
Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr and Thomas Orcher sign the Partnership Agreement
The Local Indigenous Partnership Agreement for Doomadgee was signed on Sunday 4 November in Cloncurry. Signatories were the Mayor of Doomadgee Council Thomas Orcher and the two Government Champions Frank Rockett and Rachel Hunter. Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Lindy Nelson-Carr signed as the witness.
The development and signing of the Local Indigenous Partnership Agreement establishes a strong platform that will be used for future negotiations and actions in Doomadgee.
Queensland's 8000th formal Community Cabinet deputation
Left to right: Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan, Father Mick Lowcock and Premier Anna Bligh
The 8000th formal Community Cabinet deputation was made by Father Michael Lowcock from the Mount Isa Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Father Mick briefed local member Betty Kiernan and Premier Bligh on plans to build an Indigenous child care facility in Mount Isa.
Father Mick hopes to expand on the work being done at the Brilla Brilla Community Centre and Playgroup to help locals build self confidence and parenting skills.
Community infrastructure funds
The State Government will provide $50 million to local councils for community infrastructure programs.
Local Government Minister Warren Pitt announced that applications are now being accepted for four funding programs: Smaller Communities Assistance Program, Reduction of Potable Water Consumption and Loss Program, Security Improvement Program and Landfill Remediation Assessment Program.
TAFE mining skills graduation
Left to right: Back row: Rachelle Vine, Eric Yunkaporta, John Oliffe, Sybil Gibson, Edward Oliver, Shadrach Geia. Middle row: Gary Kinnon, Michael Knight, Jazzman Saltmere, Molly Ah One, Natasha Ah Sam, Marrilyn Luta, Jacqueline Murray, Dale Nathan, Matthew Logan. Front row: Katrina Wedrat, Paul Buckley, Merrill Pang, Dion Koomeeta, Premier Anna Bligh, Sarah Logan, Colin Saltmere, Shannon Creed, Steven Marpoondin, Trisha O'Donnell, Colin Freeman
Premier Anna Bligh presented certificates to 17 Indigenous graduates of the new Dugalunji Civil Construction and Mining Skills program. The 13-week course is a joint initiative between Mount Isa Institute of TAFE, the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations and the Myuma Aboriginal Corporation.
New police accommodation
Constable Dan Holliday (left) shows off his new room to Father Mick, Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson, Minister Spence and Mount Isa Superintendent Les Hopkins
Minister for Police Judy Spence officially opened a new Mount Isa residential facility for police officers. It was named after long-serving police chaplain Father Mick Lowcock.
Mini mineral rush
Four areas in north-west Queensland have sparked international interest in mineral deposit exploration.
Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said two groups, Gold Aura and a Korean consortium, were given first right to apply for exploration permits.
‘We want to spark a mini exploration rush to find the mineral deposits that will be the mines and jobs of the future,’ Mr Wilson said.
Industrial boom in north-west
North-west Queensland is experiencing an industrial boom, just three months after the Northern Economic Triangle infrastructure plan was delivered and 12 months after the initiative was released.
The Triangle focuses on resource development between Mount Isa, Townsville and Bowen, and is in the box seat to take advantage of export demands from China and India.
‘Currently there are 12 mines operating in the Carpentaria Mineral Province, with potential for another 20 over the next decade,’ Premier Anna Bligh said.
Healing an abandoned mine
Croydon’s abandoned gold mine will benefit from a long-term rehabilitation program planned for the area.
Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said $1.3 million has been set aside for a water treatment program and for studies to improve the historic site.
Bringing in the big rigs
Four exploration companies will be given State Government grants to help bring drilling rigs to mineral exploration sites in the north-west, Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson announced.
‘This will help fast track drilling in the Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Croydon areas where explorers are searching for copper, gold, lead, zinc and silver,’ Mr Wilson said.
‘We’re helping to provide jobs and job security for the men and women who work in the mining industry.’
Last updated Monday, February 09, 2009
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