A $2.85 million project in the heart of Innisfail has been officially opened.
Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt and Cassowary Coast Mayor Bill Shannon unveiled a plaque beside the Johnstone River, marking the official opening of the Innisfail Commercial Wharf.
A second unveiling recognised a significant Indigenous place, revealing a sign saying Chjowai: Where the Two Rivers Meet.
Mamu representatives joined Mr Pitt and Cr Shannon for the unveiling of a new sign beside the commercial wharf at the junction of the North Johnstone and South Johnstone rivers. The sign marks a significant place for traditional owners, the Mamu people.
Cr Shannon, in his final duties as mayor, said the new wharf, which replaces one built in the 1940s, would not have been possible without a $1.26 million funding allocation by the State Government which was more than matched by the council.
"This council has been very successful in sourcing money from both sides of politics and both levels of government and I am always very pleased to acknowledge the contribution that governments have made to the Cassowary Coast region,'' Cr Shannon said.
"I also thank the local stakeholder group for their contributions in determining the replacement wharf's design criteria and, as always, our staff. This is another successful capital works project renewing an existing, though now much improved, asset."
The commercial wharf replaces an ageing wharf that was closed to vehicles by the former Johnstone Shire Council in 2004 for safety reasons. Further structural concerns forced the complete closure of the facility in November 2013.
The replacement wharf includes improved provisions for refuelling, larger loading stairs, lighting, a water supply and fire hose reels.
"This project was not without controversy but the final product and the process for resolving differences reinforces how fortunate we are that we can reach good solutions in a conciliatory fashion in this community,'' Cr Shannon said.
