Burke Shire Council in North West Queensland has recently completed a $3.6m upgrade to the Burketown Wharf, including construction of a barge-capable boat ramp and all-weather car-park.
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The opening ceremony for this marine infrastructure upgrade will take place on the eve of Burketown's world famous Barramundi Fishing Competition on 17 April 2019.
Burke Shire Mayor Ernie Camp said the project delivered on a range of commitments to improve remote liveability, drive economic development and improve emergency services capability.
"Fishing is a large part of life in North West Queensland and a key tourism driver. With this upgrade project, the road to the Wharf has become the busiest in the Shire and it's getting busier. This is great news for locals and for local businesses servicing the tourism industry."
The project was jointly funded by the Australian Government's National Stronger Regions Fund ($994,000), the Queensland Government's Marine Infrastructure Fund ($1.415m), Community Resilience Fund ($450,000) and Transport and Tourism Connection Program ($200,000) and the Burke Shire Council ($300,000).
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said the project was already delivering on its economic development promise.
"The Wharf Upgrade project generated 25 jobs during construction and, upon completion, has enabled Yagurli Tours to commence operations. This Indigenous owned and operated business is now delivering a range of river-based tourism experiences, including fishing tours and sunset cruises on the Albert River."
"The increased loading capacity of the ramp is also enabling commercial fishing operators to utilise this facility, providing another boost to the local economy."
Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald visited Burketown for the opening ceremony for the Wharf Upgrade Project and acknowledged the important role of the Australian Government in remote and regional development.
"The Australian Government invested $1 billion into strengthening communities and driving economic growth through the National Stronger Regions Fund and we are very happy to have partnered Burke Shire in all three rounds of this fantastic program."
"In partnership with Burke Shire Council and the Queensland Government, we have delivered some crucial economic development and remote liveability projects, including the transformative Doomadgee to Burketown Fibre Optic Project in 2016, the construction of the Burketown Wharf Pontoon in 2014 and now the full upgrade to the Burketown Wharf."
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
