Financial boost for islands
Nearly $5m in transport upgrades
Two local islands will benefit from a share of $12.6m in annual funding to improve access to them.
Saibai and Iama islands will get almost $5m worth of improvements in the statewide allocation.
The money is earmarked to help eligible councils to improve access by road, air and sea for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Under the funding, Saibai Island will get $2.3m for an airstrip apron and fuelling area upgrade.
Iama Island will get more than $2.5m for barge ramp upgrades.
The funding is given out as access to remote communities may be inaccessible for long periods during the wet season, impacting community safety and disrupting freight deliveries.
Member for Cook, David Kempton, said the funding would provide "meaningful access" to remote communities in the Cook electorate following Labor's "decade of decline".
"The Crisafulli government is commited to the Far North," he said.
This year the $12.61m funding supports eight projects across the Torres Strait Islander Regional Council, the Cook Shire Council and Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads works in conjunction with councils and remote communities to prioritise where the money is most needed.
For more information: http:/www.tmr.qld.gov.au/community-and-environment/indigenous-programs/funding-primary-access-infrastructure-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-communities