A conceptual drawing of what the youth precinct might look like at Rocky Point when complete. The skate park and basketball court are likely to be upgraded, along with improvements at the oval.
LIGHTS at the cricket ground, an upgrade to the oval and improvements to the skate park area are all on the cards for Weipa after the WTA was awarded $3.3 million for upgrades to the youth precinct in Rocky Point.
The funds come from the state government’s Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.
Weipa Town Authority chair Michael Rowland said the grant would deliver a vibrant public sport, recreation and youth space for the town.
“This project will create a modern, inclusive youth precinct and vibrant public space for the Weipa community,” he said.
“We did a lot of consulting with the community earlier in the year to get ideas and we’ll go back to the kids in town before finalising our plans.
“Works are likely to include upgrading the existing skate park and cricket areas, installing new multi-function courts for ball sports, safe meeting spaces, amenities, pathways, lighting and landscaping.”
Mr Rowland said the initial feedback from the town’s youth had been informative.
“We found they were really engaged and interested in providing input into what is needed,” he said.
“The half-court basketball court is very popular and we’ll be looking at creating a full-size court based on the feedback.
“The project will help to support a positive and healthy community and youth culture in Weipa by providing new sport and recreation opportunities and a safe place to make connections and have fun.”
The WTA is likely to open up feedback on the precinct in the coming months, with work to start next year.
CAMPING UPGRADES AT MAPOON
MAPOON will upgrade its Cullen Point campground and create a historical walk in the community after it was awarded $2.8 million under the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.
The state government initiative targets mining communities and the Mapoon council was successful in sharing in the $100 million that was distributed in this round of funding.
Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council mayor Aileen Addo said the $2.8 million would be spent on the campground upgrade and the development of a historical interpretation walk of mission village building sites in the Old Mapoon Precinct.
“Works will include installing concrete pads for camp sites, two shelter structures with seating and three amenities blocks,” Cr Addo said.
“The funding will also provide for concrete paths, signage, power to the site, automatic solar lighting, and landscaping.
“We will gain expanded and improved camping and day visitor facilities and visitors will have greater opportunities to learn about the history of Mapoon.
“This will provide opportunities for new local guided-tour services and visitor experiences that will support jobs and economic development.”
