MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 26 February 2009 AA059/2009

RUDD GOVERNMENT DELIVERS $1.3 MILLION TO BUILD LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE SUNSHINE COAST The Rudd Labor Government has today announced more than $1.3 million for ready-to-go infrastructure projects on the Sunshine Coast, including a NEW walkway along the Noosa River, and upgrades to the main streets of Nambour and Maleny. The funding will be delivered from the $800 million Community Infrastructure Program to support jobs, boost local economies and improve the quality of life in local communities. This program is the single largest investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council will receive $1,345,000 for projects across the region. They are: $311,000 to upgrade Maple Street in Maleny; $296,000 towards the Nambour Streetscape Hub project; $296,000 to build the Peregian Beach Community House; $246,000 to construct a walkway and cycleway along the Noosa River between Noosaville and Tewantin; and $196,000 to refurbish the Cotton Tree Park Shelter in Maroochydore. [Details of projects are below] I am pleased to be able to approve funding so quickly for the Sunshine Coast.  Without federal funding these projects would have remained in the 'too hard' basket. Investing in local projects is a great way to generate construction activity and support local jobs.  It will also deliver infrastructure to make the Sunshine Coast an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Councils around Australia have submitted more than 3,600 projects under the first round of the Community Infrastructure Program, and the Rudd Government is getting on with the job of rolling out projects in local communities. The Sunshine Coast Regional Council will receive a contract shortly.  I encourage them to sign and return it as quickly as possible so funds can be released. Media Contacts Moksha Watts ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0413 389 070 PROJECT DETAILS Sunshine Coast Regional Council $311,000 Maleny Streetscape Upgrade Streetscaping works to Maleny's main street including footpath paving, expansion of alfresco dining areas, the installation of artwork, street furniture and lighting, and the planting of feature trees. Location: Maple Street, Maleny, QLD $246,000 Walking and Cycling Pathway, Noosa River Construction of part of a major arterial pathway linking Tewantin and Noosaville,along the Noosa River, for use by pedestrians and cyclists. Location: Hilton Terrace, Noosaville, QLD $296,000 Nambour Streetscape Hub Streetscape works as part of the Nambour Streetscape Hub project, including tree planting, the installation of water use sensitive garden beds, pedestrian and feature lighting, construction of a town square stage and audio visual infrastructure and street furniture. Location: 16 Queen Street, Nambour, QLD $296,000 Peregian Beach Community House Construction of a central community house to act as a hub for community groups as well as services at Peregian Beach. Location: Cnr David Low Way and Woodland Drive, Peregian Beach, QLD $196,000 Refurbishment Cotton Tree Park Shelter Refurbishment works to the Cotton Tree Park shelter, Maroochydore, including electrical and lighting upgrades, the construction of feature concrete footpaths, bollards and barbecues and the installation of park furniture. Location: The Esplanade, Maroochydore, QLD   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/February/AA059_2009.htm