Cooling off in Hughenden’s summer heat will be a much easier prospect with construction beginning on a new recreational lake precinct in the town.
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, John McVeigh, said the damming of Hughenden and Station Creeks will create an artificial lake for the inland town.
“Hughenden is 400 kilometres from the nearest coast, making water activities a distant possibility for most locals, so this lake is going to be an absolute game-changer,” Dr McVeigh said.
“This project will support 19 jobs during construction and is expected to create five ongoing jobs, showing the impact local ingenuity and can have on regional communities whilst providing a major boost for the local economy.”
Queensland Senator, James McGrath, who attended the sod turning on Wednesday, said the project would support tourism in the region, with council projecting an increase of 15 per cent.
“Damming these creeks and excavating the remaining space will allow a whole array of activities such as rowing, boating and even slalom skiing during winter,” Senator McGrath said.
“This extensive upgrade will deliver a fishing jetty, swimming beach, new BBQ and picnic facilities for families, water ski courses, and new bike tracks and parklands.”
Flinders Shire Council mayor, Jane McNamara, said the facility would become a key asset for Hughenden, providing a recreational area for residents and visitors.
“The lake will add to the liveability and lifestyle of our region as well as being an asset for the Flinders shire to promote to tourists and travellers touring outback Queensland,” Cr McNamara said.
“It will attract employment opportunities that will develop in the area over the coming years. We thank the federal government for the funding that has been made available for this project.”
The coalition government invested $4,109,075 through the Building Better Regions Fund with Flinders Shire Council providing $1,968,983.
