Rockhampton has welcomed the opening of the Smart Hub Precinct in the city’s iconic Customs House, and new trails at the Mt Archer First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve.

Attending events at the Smart Hub and Mt Archer projects, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government is proud to have contributed more than $2.5 million through the $375 million Building our Regions program.

“These job-creating infrastructure projects created or supported 15 jobs through construction and we know there will be flow-on benefits for the community, local businesses and the Queensland economy,” he said.

“The purpose of building collaborative environments like the Smart Hub is to provide the foundations for future businesses to thrive in the digital economy, creating jobs and boosting Queensland’s economy in the process.

“Innovation has certainly been brought to the forefront of our economic discussions and it’s great to see Rockhampton become a leading regional capital in this space with the support of the Palaszczuk Government.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said he was proud to be part of a government which had provided $2.27 million towards the refurbishment of Customs House to accommodate the Smart Hub as “a new permanent home for start-ups and a true centre for innovation for the Rockhampton community”.

The refurbishment included new flooring, lighting, painting, state-of-the-art technology and modern furnishings which Mr O’Rourke said would attract investment and support collaboration between innovative minds in the region.

“The new Smart Hub Precinct is a fantastic example of the Palaszczuk Government supporting innovation in regional Queensland, where we know these kinds of collaborative idea and tech spaces can inspire our budding entrepreneurs and lead to future jobs and business in our community,” he said.

A further $250,000 in Palaszczuk Government funding has supported the Mt Archer works, which include new trails at the First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve, an outdoor learning area and a concrete creek crossing for emergency access across Moore’s Creek.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the impressive new trails were already fast becoming a must visit destination for keen local mountain bikers, and had improved the important regional asset as a tourist attraction for hosting local, regional and state level mountain bike competitions.

“Not only does Rockhampton now have world-class mountain biking trails for the community to enjoy, the region now also has this fantastic open learning area which means the local schools, scouts, guides and others can get out of the classroom and into nature to find out more about the wonders of our environment,” she said.

“This area is the gateway to the Mount Archer National Park. The pairing of the high quality infrastructure with the incredible scenery means Mount Archer has a bright future ahead as a tourism destination, while also celebrating the area’s cultural heritage.”

Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club President Dan Witten said he was delighted they could unite with two levels of government to make the project a reality.

“The First Turkey Mountain Bike trails are among the best in Queensland. It is fantastic for us to be able to team up with State and Local Government and make the facilities even better,” he said.

Local Controller for Rockhampton Regional Council’s SES Unit Local Controller Eddie Cowie said the construction of the concrete crossing over Moore’s Creek would make a real difference to local emergency services by allowing for emergency vehicle access.

“Search and rescue and medical retrievals come with the territory in places like Mt Archer, and now when people need our help we will be able to get there more quickly,” Mr Cowie said.

Mayor Margaret Strelow said Council was delighted to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver the projects and provide the infrastructure the Region needs and deserves.

“Mt Archer is an icon of Rockhampton and the steps we are taking now to realise its tourism potential will ensure that locals and visitors alike get an experience like no other when they come here,” Mayor Strelow said.

“Council has invested in these projects along with the Queensland Government because we recognise the enormous benefits an activated Mt Archer represents to our local economy and community.

“It is an absolute pleasure to join the State Government here today to mark this work, and I look forward to more projects down the track.”

Mr Dick said the Palaszczuk Government continues to partner with businesses and local governments to deliver infrastructure and jobs in regional Queensland through the Building our Regions program – a $375 million targeted regional infrastructure program for local government projects.

“These are projects that deliver real benefits to local communities in terms of jobs and longer-term economic benefits and we’re thrilled to be playing a leading role in supporting and rolling out such projects in all corners of our great state,” he said.

For more on the Building our Regions program: http://statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/regional-development/building-our-regions.html

Source
Media Statements
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick