A new era for Yarrabah, which has received a $10 million boost to deliver a supermarket, social services and employment agency in one convenient location for the community. Photo: Facebook (Nita Green – Senator for Queensland).
A convenient place to shop and access services is an essential part of any community, but Yarrabah is one of the only places in the country without a dedicated retail and commercial precinct.
This will soon change with a $10 million federal government investment supporting the delivery of a precinct in the Far North Queensland Aboriginal community, bringing together a new supermarket, social services and employment agency in one location.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Daryl Sexton said the investment would be “life-changing” for the community.
“For the first time, Yarrabah will have a dedicated business centre bringing together essential retail, employment and social services in one location. This will improve access to services and create a stronger foundation for local economic development,” he said.
“The project will create local jobs and training opportunities during construction, as well as ongoing employment and business opportunities through the supermarket, service providers and other tenants that will operate from the centre.
“It will also strengthen our community’s resilience, particularly during disasters and periods when access to Cairns may be disrupted, by improving our ability to store essential dry and cold food supplies locally.”
The project is part of the $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program transforming, serving and growing economies in regional, rural and remote Australia.
“This is a game-changing project for the community of Yarrabah. It will mean so much to the people who call it home, and I congratulate the council on their hard work to receive this funding,” Assistant Minister for Northern Queensland Nita Green said.
“A retail and commercial precinct like this will create opportunities for the community, and a place of pride that they can come together knowing that it is because of their advocacy that Yarrabah is receiving this investment.”
Original Article published by Chisa Hasegawa on Region Tropical North Queensland.
