Media Release

KAP Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has welcomed more than $1 million in federal funding to be spent on grassroots recreation projects in the Hinchinbrook, Tablelands, Gordonvale and Babinda communities.

Mr Katter said residents of and tourists to the Tablelands will be able to enjoy mountain biking through the picturesque Atherton State Forest following the completion of purpose-built mountain bike trails being constructed in a $500,000 project.

Mr Katter said the Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park would include 30km of international-standard mountain bike tracks capable of accommodating major sporting events and tapping into an emerging tourism market.

The project, to be completed by April 2015, would also support four jobs throughout construction and sustain a further 19 after completion, he said.

Meanwhile, a $500,000 project to purchase and fit out a flood-free community service building in Ingham would support another six construction jobs and eight post-construction jobs , said Mr Katter.

He said the new building, expected to be operational by July 2014, would serve together with the Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre as an expanded hub for social services in the community, while also providing for a flood-free base from which to co-ordinate relief during times of natural disaster.

And Gordonvale and Babinda will share in $135,000 to be spent by the Cairns Regional Council upgrading community skate parks and BMX facilities, said Mr Katter.

He said the upgrades were due to be completed by July 2014.

The projects are among 79 around Australia to be part-funded through round 3 of Regional Australia Development Fund.