A $1.55 MILLION whale interpretive facility is to be built at Point Lookout and national park management on Straddie will get more than $4 million as part of a state government boost for the island.
The money is included in $11 million to be allocated in next week’s state budget on top of the $20 million North Stradbroke Island Economic Strategy budget.
Announcing the funding at Point Lookout on World Environment Day, Acting Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the government had previously provided $250,000 for feasibility, detailed design approvals and tendering for the whale centre.
“A further $1.7 million will be used to expand the capacity of the island’s existing 14-bed aged care facility, $900,000 for bushfire management plans, $1 million for urgent infrastructure works at One Mile and $4.35 million for national park management,” Ms Trad said.
Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said funding would be delivered over three years.
“This includes increased funding of $4.75 million over two years, including $3.25 million in 2018-19 towards projects to develop the North Stradbroke Island Economic Transition Strategy,” Mr Dick said.
“Other projects to receive new funding include $250,000 to support expansion of the market for school camps, field studies and tertiary research visitation on the island, $750,000 to develop and improve recreational trails for walking and cycling and $500,000 to provide location and interpretive signage at key island locations.”
Mr Dick said his department would work closely with Redland City Council, the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, the Straddie Chamber of Commerce and other agencies to deliver 23 projects under the strategy to stimulate business development, increase economic activity and create sustainable jobs.
Ms Trad said the $11 million was to help transition the island’s economy away from sand mining to a broader industry base by supporting sustainable tourism and local business initiatives.
“With the end of sand mining on Straddie the time is right to invest in the projects that will shape the island’s future economy, working side-by-side with QYAC,” she said.
“Straddie is one of south-east Queensland’s most iconic and beautiful holiday destinations. It’s where I’ve been taking my kids for years and I know that so many Queenslanders have fantastic memories here.
“It’s such an incredible place it’s even attracting the likes of (Hollywood stars) Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth to Queensland.”
Redlands MP Kim Richards said the whale centre would be built behind Point Lookout shops with a view of the ocean.
“When we talk about tourism, we talk about creating a destination and this is something that will draw people out to our region,” she said. “If you look at other coastal regions, whale watching is key to tourism.”
Opposition leader Deb Frecklington slammed the announcement, saying she felt for residents as sand mining came to an end.
“You can’t just get to a state budget and throw a few dollars at a community and expect for it to be OK,” she said. “Let’s remember, Annastacia Palaszczuk ripped the guts out of Straddie and has just done nothing about it.”
Mayor Karen Williams said that with sand mining coming to an end next year more projects and initiatives needed to be delivered as soon as possible.
“While I believe more funding is needed and will continue to make this case to the state government, I think it’s important to acknowledge and thank the government for today’s funding as well as the previously committed $20 million,” Cr Williams said.
Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson welcomed the $11 million, saying it was Labor playing catch-up to the LNP and more needed to be done.
“Finally, Labor have been dragged kicking and screaming to match the LNP’s commitment of additional funding to North Stradbroke Island,” Dr Robinson said.
“Since Labor forced its unfair laws through the Parliament in 2016 to abruptly end mining, I have called for additional funds to be invested into Straddie, and finally now the Palaszczuk government have relented and matched the LNP’s additional commitment.”
