Work will start in March next year on Julia Creek’s new $2.2 million community and cultural precinct.
During a visit to Julia Creek this week, State Development Minister Dr Anthony Lynham viewed the draft designs and the site with McKinlay Shire Mayor Belinda Murphy.
The State Government will provide more than $1.2 million towards the project which will upgrade the existing community centre with new flooring, stage AV equipment, air-conditioning and outdoor area, as well as revamping amenities, kitchen and bar area, and the arts and cultural buildings attached to the complex.
The council has committed $600,000 along with an industry contribution of $400,000 from South32.
“It’s great to see local government focussed on diversifying regional economies,” Dr Lynham said.
“Building tourism capacity in regional communities provides a buffer for the cyclical downturns in the economic mainstays of agriculture and resources.
“The new cultural precinct will boost Julia Creek’s capacity to host regional industry events including the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone meetings and agricultural industry events including Cattlemen’s Association functions, as well as tourism events such as Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) meetings and symposiums.
“Importantly, the project will create 30 local jobs when construction gets underway in March.”
McKinlay Shire Mayor Belinda Murphy said tenders would be called soon and work was expected to take 11 months.
“We are very excited about this project and the difference it will make,” Cr Murphy said.
“Centres such as this one become the hub for the whole community not only for local activities but for the region when holding broader-based events.
"For smaller rural councils like ours the strong partnerships that are established between levels of government and private investment are critical for projects like this to happen.”
