A multi-million-dollar Australian Army project upgrading much-needed infrastructure in a remote Cape York Peninsula community is drawing to a close.
The 150-strong Army crew is adding the final touches to four infrastructure projects in Laura, being wastewater ponds,a multi-purpose facility, a roof on multi-purpose court and 1000 metres of footpath adjacent to the Peninsula Developmental Road, in the next two weeks before an official commissioning ceremony at the end of the month.
The project is part of the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Programme (AACAP), which works together with remote Indigenous communities to deliver infrastructure projects, vocational skills training and complementary healthcare services. Laura is the 42nd Indigenous community to benefit from the initiative.
AACAP is a joint initiative between the Australian Army and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet provide up to $6 million per project and the Army meets this with an equivalent figure via significant personnel and equipment resources.
Australian Army Major Jack Plimmer, AACAP 16 Contingent Commander, said the project had been well received by the Laura community.
“It’s great training for us,” Major Plimmer said.
“We are using our skills in real life tasks which is helping the community.
“This is very similar to how an operation overseas would operate, say if there was a cyclone in a remote area, we would be deployed and set up camp much the same.
“It’s a win-win for the community. When you have a town of 100 people and get an extra 150 Army personnel, that brings a fair bit of energy and enthusiasm.”
The project has delivered health and training activities including a visit by an Army dentist and veterinarian, the latter treating 51 dogs, a cat and a pig.
A graduate from the Certificate II in Hospitality secured a job in Coen, while some the students undertaking the Certificate II in Construction Pathways secured work on the infrastructure projects during the training.
Australian Army engineers from the Sydney-based 17th Construction Squadron, 6th Engineer Support Regiment, joined military engineers from Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Tonga and the Royal Australian Air Force. Army soldiers from 17th Combat Service Support Brigade provided health services and training.
See photos from the project here
