November 27, 2009
Creating jobs and opening up business opportunities are the big-picture aims of a Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council initiative which has been given a $125,000 funding boost by the Bligh Government.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Desley Boyle says the council has received the one-off grant to support its one-stop-shop Enterprise Development Unit which will be driving economic development in the town.
"Not long after I was appointed Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships I went to Cherbourg and met Mayor Sam Murray who made it plain to me where Cherbourg was up to and particularly that it needed help with business and enterprise development. I am pleased to say I have delivered," she says.
"The unit is a smart move and will give real focus to the council's job creation plans for the people of Cherbourg, as well as facilitate community development and future economic activities.
"The unit is a welcome addition to the range of community services already in place, including a health care centre, women and children shelters, justice group service, primary school and TAFE college campus.
"As well as progressing the council's business and development marketing plan, ideas already on the drawing board for Cherbourg include hair dressing, mowing and landscaping services, an internet café and light manufacturing, to name just a few.
"What the council has done is identify an area of need and begun planning in earnest for its future, including how to realise a new retail and business precinct.
"Of course these are early days but how important to have the drive and vision to plan seriously for the future.
"I congratulate Mayor Sam Murray and his team for looking forward, grasping the challenge of economic development with both hands, and laying the foundations to achieve real results for generations to come."
Boyle says she is pleased to be working in partnership with the council and the community through these exciting times of positive change.
"Cherbourg's aspirations clearly show this community's ambition to bring about sustainable changes as they build tomorrow's Queensland," says the Minister.
The unit, based within the council, has been taking shape over the past year, with a manager funded by the Australian Government, along with a trainee. Priorities now possible with the State's funding include developing strategic plans, website and marketing resources, and seed funding to trail the establishment of new enterprises in Cherbourg.